World Cup Opens In Mexico As Travel Bans, Ticket Anger Cloud FIFA Showcase

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets under way today with two matches in Mexico, even as disputes over politics, high ticket costs, strict United States travel rules, the Israel-Iran war and environmental issues hang over the competition.

This edition has grown from 32 nations to 48, but the build-up has been dominated by criticism of FIFA. The global football authority has been accused of yielding too much to the US and staging a tournament that critics see as costly and unfriendly to ordinary supporters.

The event is being held after major immigration policy shifts under US President Donald Trump. Arrangements usually made for the large numbers of international fans who attend the World Cup have instead been replaced, in several cases, by tighter entry controls.

One of the clearest flashpoints came when Somalia's Omar Artan, a leading African referee, was refused entry to the US by Customs and Border Protection days before the opening games. The decision caused alarm across the sport.

Artan, 34, had been close to becoming the first Somali official to work at a World Cup. Two days after he was held and sent back to Somalia, which is one of the countries covered by a travel ban, the Trump administration said he was blocked because of his "association with suspected members of terror organisations".

The response has been intense. Canada has indicated that Artan would be allowed to referee matches there, but FIFA's operational arrangements mean he will not make the milestone appearance.

Other well-known football figures have also faced tough border treatment. Iraq forward Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for seven hours after arriving in Chicago.

Tourist visas have been fully suspended for citizens of some qualified countries, including Senegal and the Ivory Coast, because of previous visa overstay concerns. Supporters from many other countries placed on banned lists are also, in practical terms, unable to attend.

Iran's squad has been barred from overnight stays in the US and must travel between Mexico and match venues in the United States. Iranian fans have also been banned.

On the pitch, four nations are making their first World Cup appearances: CONCACAF side Curacao, along with Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

Despite the controversy, interest is expected to rise sharply once play begins. Co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. Jamaica time. South Korea meet Czechia at 9 p.m. Jamaica time.

The tournament continues until July 19, making it the longest World Cup in FIFA history. Matches will be played across 16 host cities, including 11 in the US, with additional venues in Canada and Mexico.