With 5 billion viewers tuning in for the 2022 tournament, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to break every possible record. Held every four years with limited qualification spots, the World Cup represents the pinnacle of soccer. Stars represent their countries in pursuit of the most important trophy of their careers.
But this World Cup is already different. For the first time, three countries will co-host: Canada, Mexico and the United States. While this promises an unprecedented spectacle, each nation faces unique challenges that could impact the tournament's success.
As a Mexican myself, having spent my whole life in Mexico City, I can easily identify the challenges my country faces. The most pressing issue is organizational infrastructure; Mexico City’s transportation system, with its complex and winding routes, isn’t always reliable. For tourists who don’t speak Spanish, ride-sharing apps like Uber will likely be their lifeline.
Even more concerning is the iconic Azteca Stadium, where the opening ceremony is scheduled to take place. The venue remains under renovation, with some doubting that it will be completed on time. Organization and structure will be key for Mexico to thrive in this World Cup.
However, Mexico has two major advantages: experience and culture. The country has already hosted two memorable World Cups and Mexico’s vibrant soccer culture, combined with the warmth of its people, will undoubtedly create an unforgettable atmosphere.
The United States faces perhaps the most complex challenges, starting with political instability that directly impacts international visitors. Just this past June, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents threatened to appear at a Mexican national team friendly in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium to search for undocumented immigrants. In a similar fashion, ICE was denied entry to a Dodgers game a few weeks later. If stadiums aren’t safe spaces, how can we expect the World Cup to reach its full potential in the United States?
The numbers are telling: The United States has travel bans for 12 countries, restrictions for seven more and is considering banning travelers from another 36 nations. American tourism has dropped 22%, with a projected $12.5 billion loss in visitor spending for 2025. This closed foreign policy approach, notably from President Donald Trump’s first few months in office, continues to make the United States seem unwelcoming to many nationalities, exactly the opposite of what a World Cup should represent. FIFA’s apparent favoritism toward the United States allowing the Final Draw at the Kennedy Center has sparked controversy as well.
Meanwhile, practical concerns persist. During last summer’s Copa America, players and coaches universally complained about field conditions: grass cut too short, holes and dirt patches throughout the pitches. This stems from using American football stadiums with synthetic turf, rather than the natural grass fields the World Cup requires.
Canada presents the most intriguing case. The country is co-hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events alongside a nation whose president has threatened annexation and instigated trade wars. Canadians have already reduced travel to the United States and boycotted American products, raising questions about cross border cooperation during the tournament.
Unlike Mexico and the United States, Canada lacks a historically deep soccer culture, which could mean less atmospheric stadiums. I, however, don’t think this will be the case. Canadians’ enthusiasm for major sporting events, combined with the novelty of hosting a World Cup, could create its own unique energy.
Despite these challenges, the 2026 World Cup will likely be spectacular. Mexico brings passion and experience, the U.S. offers world class facilities and media coverage and Canada provides fresh enthusiasm and surprise.
The real question isn’t whether these three nations can overcome their individual challenges — it’s whether they can work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. For soccer fans worldwide and for the beautiful game itself, let’s hope they can.
