The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with two fixtures in Mexico on Friday against the backdrop of political firestorms, accusations of exorbitant ticket price-gouging, severe US travel restrictions, geopolitical fallout from the United States, Israel-Iran war, and major environmental concerns.

What should have been the greatest show on earth, expanding from 32 teams to 48, has now been shrouded in controversy, with football’s world governing body being accused of genuflecting to the US in presenting a tournament that is an anti-fan money grab scheme.

The tournament follows significant changes in immigrant policies under US President Donald Trump, with the usual courtesies rolled out for the millions of fans that travel to the international showpiece being turned back.