2026 World Cup Faces Problems 90 Days Before Kickoff
Posted on 03/16/26 at 01:20
2026 World Cup Organization Problems
Ninety days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the organization of the tournament is facing several challenges in the host countries.
Mexico, United States, and Canada are preparing to host the World Cup, but along the way concerns have emerged regarding security, international tensions, and logistics.
The World Cup will be played for the first time across three countries, and the tournament’s organization is facing political, economic, and security challenges just months before kickoff.
Security Concerns in Mexico
One of the issues drawing the most attention among the 2026 World Cup organization problems is the security situation in Mexico.
On February 22, 2026, Guadalajara became international news following an operation that led to the capture of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of an organized crime group.
After the operation, several incidents were reported in areas of the city and nearby municipalities, as well as in other parts of the country.
Concerns increased because Guadalajara will host four matches of the 2026 World Cup and will also host the playoff games that will determine the final teams qualifying for the tournament.
The uncertainty grew when World Aquatics decided to cancel its Diving World Cup event in Mexico after some sports delegations refused to travel.
In response to the situation, Claudia Sheinbaum assured that there are security guarantees for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino reiterated his confidence in the organization of the tournament in the country.
Conflict Between the United States and Iran Impacts the Tournament
International tensions have also affected the 2026 World Cup organization problems.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated in recent weeks and created uncertainty about the participation of the Iran national football team in the tournament, even though the team has already qualified.
Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, said the country would not participate in the World Cup following the attacks carried out on February 28 by the United States and Israel.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump stated that Iran’s national team is welcome to participate in the tournament, although he recommended that it avoid doing so for security reasons.
For now, Iran’s presence in the tournament remains uncertain.
Travel Problems for Iraq Ahead of the World Cup
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The conflict in the Middle East has also created logistical challenges for other national teams.
Iraq national football team, which will try to qualify for the World Cup through the playoff round, reported difficulties traveling to Monterrey, where the playoff matches will take place.
The Iraqi federation explained that the closure of airspace in the Middle East has prevented part of the team from traveling to the Americas.
In addition, some embassies remain closed, complicating the visa process for players and coaching staff.
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores has already contacted the Iraqi federation to help resolve visa issues, while FIFA is seeking alternatives to facilitate the team’s arrival.
Political Tensions Between the World Cup Host Countries
The World Cup organization problems also coincide with ongoing trade negotiations among the three host nations.
Mexico and the United States have resumed talks related to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, while Canada has stated it will respect the terms of the treaty.
It is also expected that political leaders from the three countries could attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup, including Claudia Sheinbaum, Donald Trump, and Mark Carney.
However, none of the three leaders has officially confirmed their attendance so far.
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