2026 World Cup Opens With 104-Match Tournament as U.S. Visa Curbs and High Prices Cloud Mood
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 12
2026 World Cup Opens With 104-Match Tournament as U.S. Visa Curbs and High Prices Cloud Mood
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 12
Summary
South Africa and Mexico open the first 2026 World Cup match at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, launching the biggest edition yet with 104 games across North America.
48 teams and more than 8 million expected international travelers are arriving for a tournament stretched across four time zones, but the buildup has been dominated by U.S. immigration barriers and soaring fan costs.
U.S. entry restrictions have already hit participants and supporters: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry, while Iran had to base itself in Tijuana and enter the U.S. only shortly before matches.
Ticket complaints have persisted as FIFA's dynamic pricing keeps seats expensive, and matchday transport near some venues jumped from roughly $10-$20 to more than $100, drawing investigations.
FIFA is betting that on-field drama—from likely final World Cups for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to a new generation led by Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland—will outweigh the off-field controversies.