FIFA faces cost, logistics and political hurdles ahead of historic 2026 World Cup

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By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 
 
The spotlight turns to FIFA this Thursday as its member associations gather in Vancouver for a congress that feels anything but routine, with the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup now under two months.

Set to be the biggest tournament in football history, the 48-team showpiece will span the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. But behind the excitement, key issues remain unresolved.

Cost has emerged as a major concern. The vast travel distances, varying tax systems and heavy logistics across North America have raised fears, particularly among European teams, with UEFA warning that nations may struggle financially unless they progress deep into the tournament.

FIFA is expected to counter by highlighting record commercial strength, with plans to increase prize money and participation fees, arguing the expanded format will drive more global investment and development.

Politics, however, could prove trickier. Iran’s participation remains sensitive, with concerns over travel and security for matches in the U.S. FIFA has so far refused to alter fixtures, insisting all teams must play as scheduled.

Logistical hurdles have already surfaced, with visa issues affecting delegations ahead of the congress, underscoring the complexity of hosting a tournament across three nations and multiple time zones.

For FIFA, Vancouver is more than a meeting, it is a final checkpoint. With billions in projected revenue and global expectations rising, the challenge is clear: ensure the biggest World Cup ever is not just grand, but workable.
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