FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[giorgione]

Politics is everything in the world of football sir. There's no country that can get a hosting card without a touch of political agreement because they also understand how important hosting a given tournament in any country could positively impact on the host nations economic growth and infrastructural growth too. As a matter of fact, it always goes to the highest bidder always. Why was it that south Africa became the first African nation to host the world cup?

Marginalisation still occurs. Smaller nations already know that they cannot compete with the elite nations and they don't even bid at all. Politics is always there even during the tournament when many host nations get a weaker group and also get some unwarranted favouritism during matches. Everyone knows it and fans always tend to understand this too.

Y i also think that politics is also everywhere in today's world, and this makes it clear that the World Cup, like the Olympics, does not change much, everyone is involved, and politics is no different, when it comes to watching them, they are always

[Ale88]

Yeah man, disqualifying Suriname over that federation bank freeze drama would be a massive slap – they've earned their spot fair and square on the pitch, small nation making history. Same with the cold FIFA regs biting again. And you're spot on about Congo, if they boot DR Congo and slot Nigeria in, Naija fans would go nuclear tbh, riots incoming. Feels like money talks loudest these days, sponsors want big markets like Nigeria for views and cash. Politics and economics always messing with pure football, sad but true.

Suriname hasn't yet qualified, right? During the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers, they finished at the second place in Group A behind Panama. While Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Suriname need to win another two matches in the inter-confederation play-offs (scheduled for March 2026) to gain entry to the world cup. If they get disqualified, then Bolivia will be given a walkover to the match against Iraq, and the winners will qualify for the World Cup. But to be frank, FIFA is banning them only because Suriname is a small and powerless country. If it was Italy or Saudi Arabia, do you really think they would have banned them?

Trust me, you couldn't have chosen a worst country than Italy for your example. Do you remember FIFA did to Italy back in 2002 when they assigned Byron Moreno, one of the most corrupted referees ever, to the match against South Korea? Because I remember very well that match. And do we want to talk about Joseph Blatter, FIFA president, who refused to give the trophy to Italy after we won against France because he was super pissed off that France didn't win? That was his duty as president, to hand the cup, and for the first time in the World Cup history it didn't happen. So, no, absolutely FIFA would never help Italy.

[Alex077]

USA will definitely find a way to make this back, I doubt that it will be a cup with very few visitors because of the prices. I understand that it may look very expensive, but for a world cup at USA that is actually normal and they are going to be able to afford it without a trouble.
The best we can do at the time would be make the prices fit for the Americans and because Americans can afford to pay a lot more and willing for it, this will cause the prices to stay high because it is getting sold. We are not going to see Qatar type of games where majority of the games are half empty, we are going to have Americans fill it, and worst case, last minute tickets will cost very tiny and will be grabbed by anyone around there.

I’m not really sure how much Americans watch soccer. I agree that since the MLS has risen to a higher level, there have been many more spectators, and since they are the hosts, they will also follow their national team. In any case, i think the stands will be full regardless of ticket prices. People will come from all over the world, and i think Americans will take a break from watching the NFL (just kidding, of course) I definitely think it will be a big spectacle

I guess finally, they have found some sense back in their head. Because the price that was set for people was absolutely absurd. There was no way people were going to pay that much money to watch football matches. And now I think the World Cup tickets are going to be more affordable for a lot of people. And the authorities also have to remember that people are already going through a lot trying to go through another country to watch the World Cup. And if they have to spend 1000$ more money on it, it is going to be financially stupid to do so. Anyway, it is good to see that FIFA at least has some sense left. And now a lot of people who are actually interested in the World Cup will be able to see the matches from the stadium. And honestly, I do not want to see USA people in the stadium because then it will be all about some gay shit or some transgender narrative being pushed on people

[Adbitco]

Politics is everything in the world of football sir. There's no country that can get a hosting card without a touch of political agreement because they also understand how important hosting a given tournament in any country could positively impact on the host nations economic growth and infrastructural growth too. As a matter of fact, it always goes to the highest bidder always. Why was it that south Africa became the first African nation to host the world cup?

Marginalisation still occurs. Smaller nations already know that they cannot compete with the elite nations and they don't even bid at all. Politics is always there even during the tournament when many host nations get a weaker group and also get some unwarranted favouritism during matches. Everyone knows it and fans always tend to understand this too.

I agree with you, there's hardly anything that doesn't involve politics and football as a sport is never an exception to this. Talking about South Africa being the first African country to host the WC, I think it's basically because, the place was predominantly dominated by whites, the weather is like there's and the country was stable both financially and security wise, and South Africa happened to have bid for the 2010 WC a decade plus before the world cup year. That's what I think gave them some edges in hosting the tournament.

[Lida93]

Yeah man, disqualifying Suriname over that federation bank freeze drama would be a massive slap – they've earned their spot fair and square on the pitch, small nation making history. Same with the cold FIFA regs biting again. And you're spot on about Congo, if they boot DR Congo and slot Nigeria in, Naija fans would go nuclear tbh, riots incoming. Feels like money talks loudest these days, sponsors want big markets like Nigeria for views and cash. Politics and economics always messing with pure football, sad but true.

Suriname hasn't yet qualified, right? During the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers, they finished at the second place in Group A behind Panama. While Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Suriname need to win another two matches in the inter-confederation play-offs (scheduled for March 2026) to gain entry to the world cup. If they get disqualified, then Bolivia will be given a walkover to the match against Iraq, and the winners will qualify for the World Cup. But to be frank, FIFA is banning them only because Suriname is a small and powerless country. If it was Italy or Saudi Arabia, do you really think they would have banned them?

Trust me, you couldn't have chosen a worst country than Italy for your example. Do you remember FIFA did to Italy back in 2002 when they assigned Byron Moreno, one of the most corrupted referees ever, to the match against South Korea? Because I remember very well that match. And do we want to talk about Joseph Blatter, FIFA president, who refused to give the trophy to Italy after we won against France because he was super pissed off that France didn't win? That was his duty as president, to hand the cup, and for the first time in the World Cup history it didn't happen. So, no, absolutely FIFA would never help Italy.

For me this is injustice, there should be another way out or an alternative for the Surimane team after such an unforeseen situation that happened to the federation, FIFA should have come up with a plan to aid the Surimane football federation by providing financial assistance to them in preparation for the upcoming World Cup since such funds are always made available to teams that often qualify for the World cup rather than considering stripping them of their qualification status.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Without Neymar, the current Brazil team has no big names or big personalities. So without Neymar, there will be no excitement among Brazil fans in the World Cup or much support from outside. Although the locals in Brazil will support Brazil, it will not encourage foreign fans like me to watch Brazil play. Carlo Ancelotti must contact Neymar and try his best to get him into the team. Without Neymar, Brazil is out of rhythm, and a worthy replacement for him has not yet been created in the Brazil team.

The thing is, most players train for a system, and the creativity, the beautiful game, that no longer exists in them, and that's what's missing Many say no, but they're adopting the European style and the truth is they're losing the South American style I don't know if it's the experience they get there , but there are things that should never be lost.

[bryant.coleman]

For me this is injustice, there should be another way out or an alternative for the Surimane team after such an unforeseen situation that happened to the federation, FIFA should have come up with a plan to aid the Surimane football federation by providing financial assistance to them in preparation for the upcoming World Cup since such funds are always made available to teams that often qualify for the World cup rather than considering stripping them of their qualification status.

Just let them play. FIFA simply can't ban teams as per their whims and fancies. Suriname played really hard and their players deserve a chance in the playoff against Bolivia. FIFA should not come up with some stupid excuse to disqualify them.

[Adbitco]

This is the Scottish national football boss, this is what he has to say concerning the high price of the 2026 World Cup tickets. The Scottish people hasn't qualified for the world cup since 1998 and it's only natural that they will want to go to this very WC that they have qualified after several years and cheer their team. His got a good advice for his people regarding going for the WC and if you are rich enough and can afford it, no problem but if you can't, sit back home so you don't incur unnecessary debts to yourself.

[Akbarkoe]

This is the Scottish national football boss, this is what he has to say concerning the high price of the 2026 World Cup tickets. The Scottish people hasn't qualified for the world cup since 1998 and it's only natural that they will want to go to this very WC that they have qualified after several years and cheer their team. His got a good advice for his people regarding going for the WC and if you are rich enough and can afford it, no problem but if you can't, sit back home so you don't incur unnecessary debts to yourself.

Everyone wants to come to the world cup to support their country playing in the big contest, but it does require very expensive accommodation for many people, and I agree with what was said that it is better to stay at home if you force yourself to come and have to go into debt, we can have other options to support our own national team at home by watching on the TV screen, We can have other options to support our own national team at home by watching on TV screens, cell phones, or others because the broadcast of world cup matches is now very easy to access, or subscribing to the media that broadcasts it is much better than forcing ourselves, and also if necessary with high enthusiasm support can gamble for our own country in the world cup.

[Sithara007]

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This is the Scottish national football boss, this is what he has to say concerning the high price of the 2026 World Cup tickets. The Scottish people hasn't qualified for the world cup since 1998 and it's only natural that they will want to go to this very WC that they have qualified after several years and cheer their team. His got a good advice for his people regarding going for the WC and if you are rich enough and can afford it, no problem but if you can't, sit back home so you don't incur unnecessary debts to yourself.

As you posted, they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup first time in 28 years. A lot of the fans would be traveling to the United States, and it is like a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Package may cost anywhere from £3,000 to £5,000. Flight (return-trip) itself is going to cost around £1,500 to £2,000 and most of the remainder will be for accommodation and a smaller share taken up for ticket booking. But I agree with Steve Clarke. If your financials are not good, then watch the matches in TV. Anyway, Scotland is a country of 6 million people. Out of that, only a few tens of thousands will be able to attend the matches in person.

[Ale88]

I appreciate the honesty of the Scottish manager but if someone really thinks to jeopardize his family's financial situation in order to go watch a World Cup game, I mean, come on, for real? I like football but there are way more important things in life, and going to the stadium is something extra, it's not something really necessary. And especially people who are not US citizens may take a huge risk because immigration could refuse to let you into the country for any reason. Imagine spending thousands of dollars for the plane ticket, hotel and games and then you get sent home for whatever reason...

[verdinio]

Everyone wants to come to the world cup to support their country playing in the big contest, but it does require very expensive accommodation for many people, and I agree with what was said that it is better to stay at home if you force yourself to come and have to go into debt, we can have other options to support our own national team at home by watching on the TV screen, We can have other options to support our own national team at home by watching on TV screens, cell phones, or others because the broadcast of world cup matches is now very easy to access, or subscribing to the media that broadcasts it is much better than forcing ourselves, and also if necessary with high enthusiasm support can gamble for our own country in the world cup.

Yes, it is true that everyone wants to go and follow their team at the World Cup but we are talking about prices and very distant travel, which will really be a challenge for many people who cannot even afford to eat, i see it very, very hard, However, everything is possible

[Daniel91]

Everyone wants to come to the world cup to support their country playing in the big contest, but it does require very expensive accommodation for many people, and I agree with what was said that it is better to stay at home if you force yourself to come and have to go into debt, we can have other options to support our own national team at home by watching on the TV screen, We can have other options to support our own national team at home by watching on TV screens, cell phones, or others because the broadcast of world cup matches is now very easy to access, or subscribing to the media that broadcasts it is much better than forcing ourselves, and also if necessary with high enthusiasm support can gamble for our own country in the world cup.

Yes, it is true that everyone wants to go and follow their team at the World Cup but we are talking about prices and very distant travel, which will really be a challenge for many people who cannot even afford to eat, i see it very, very hard, However, everything is possible

This is a very realistic perspective, and in fact, all national team fans should stay home and send a clear message to FIFA that they will not accept such robbery and extremely high ticket prices for the football World Cup. 
However, knowing the biggest fans of national teams, this will not happen. 
Fans will go into debt, borrow money, and take loans just so they can watch their national teams at the World Cup. 
FIFA and the organizers will make a lot of money, and the show will go on with even more expensive tickets for the next World Cup. 
Business as usual.

[LUCKMCFLY]

The expanded number of teams from the usual 32 nations to the 48 nations while this gives lots of nations that do not think they have any chance of qualification to a World Cup final this chance now is a rare one but let’s be honest with ourselves while I love the fact for this to happen I think in its first edition the countries with low football related activities will be the easiest to actually eliminate them and I expect the competition to be actually way competitive during maybe the knockout stages where top opposition would have started getting paired with each other. With this I think there are pundits who do not actually think it was right to have this expansion but to me I think regardless of anything that anyone would say it is a good thing giving nations who thought they wouldn’t stand a chance to be here a huge chance from any continent due to the increase in their slots

There's no doubt about that, but let's look at it from a more positive perspective we'll have more football, it will be more than a month, Curacao and many other countries like Haiti will qualify, in addition to the African teams This is what we're aiming for. Even so, some very good teams didn't qualify, and there are teams that have always gone to the World Cup These are new but wonderful things, and perhaps some surprises will occur.

[aipercoin]

According to information that are circulating online, it is being reported that FIFA has reduced the amount for the world cup match tickets, according to what was being made available on X by @TheAtleticFC they said FIFA has decided to sell 1,000 tickets to fans of teams that are playing on match days to $60. After the backlash FIFA has been receiving for the hike in ticket prices. But my question is what will 1,000 tickets do for the population of fans that will be wanting to support their country in the world cup. FIFA should increase the numbers of the tickets they are willing to sell for the new price $60.

They did well, otherwise very few would have gone to see them
Lowering the price isn't enough; they also have to fight against those who buy and resell tickets. This practice is truly ugly and doesn't allow anyone to buy tickets at a decent price. So they still have to work on it.

[topbitcoin]

For me this is injustice, there should be another way out or an alternative for the Surimane team after such an unforeseen situation that happened to the federation, FIFA should have come up with a plan to aid the Surimane football federation by providing financial assistance to them in preparation for the upcoming World Cup since such funds are always made available to teams that often qualify for the World cup rather than considering stripping them of their qualification status.

Just let them play. FIFA simply can't ban teams as per their whims and fancies. Suriname played really hard and their players deserve a chance in the playoff against Bolivia. FIFA should not come up with some stupid excuse to disqualify them.

It's just that when internal conflicts continue to occur, this will clearly be very disturbing for Suriname, especially sometimes FIFA which is always a double standard for some rules, of course things like this are possible to be inevitable and the sanctions given can be much heavier for Suriname.

Now it depends on the resolution of their internal problems, if this condition continues and prolonged then this is not very good for Suriname and there should be an understanding by those who have an interest but here when politics speaks more then I think they can't do much because the situation might be the same as the initial discourse where sanctions are inevitable.

[retreat]

I just wished The US were going to put up some really stringent policies to get them protecting their space for any reason they wish to, rather than the complete ban on these countries, it will not tell well on their players as the morale support they get from their fans does goes a long way to help then with their performance and the economic benefits the US could gwt from their presence would be affected, but then they know how best to handle all of it and I just wish for fans alone there could be some exceptions.

It's the US's decision not to allow people from sanctioned countries to enter, even for sporting reasons. While it's unfortunate that they're doing this, the US has its own reasons for doing so, and they can't be blamed. While we'd like to see sports separated from politics, in practice, governments' decisions are still based on their national interests and security. That's fair from their perspective, even if it's unfair for some. We hope that FIFA will think more about such matters in the future, so that incidents like this don't happen again, and the world of football can continue to uphold the values ​​of sportsmanship and be free from political interference.

[cande86]

This is the Scottish national football boss, this is what he has to say concerning the high price of the 2026 World Cup tickets. The Scottish people hasn't qualified for the world cup since 1998 and it's only natural that they will want to go to this very WC that they have qualified after several years and cheer their team. His got a good advice for his people regarding going for the WC and if you are rich enough and can afford it, no problem but if you can't, sit back home so you don't incur unnecessary debts to yourself.

Oh yes i think that if you are rich enough and you can afford it there will be no problem, surely you can do this thing but there will also be many people who will go into debt and put themselves in very uncomfortable conditions and it is something that no one likes, least of all the poor

[Adbitco]

✂✂✂✂
This is the Scottish national football boss, this is what he has to say concerning the high price of the 2026 World Cup tickets. The Scottish people hasn't qualified for the world cup since 1998 and it's only natural that they will want to go to this very WC that they have qualified after several years and cheer their team. His got a good advice for his people regarding going for the WC and if you are rich enough and can afford it, no problem but if you can't, sit back home so you don't incur unnecessary debts to yourself.

As you posted, they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup first time in 28 years. A lot of the fans would be traveling to the United States, and it is like a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Package may cost anywhere from £3,000 to £5,000. Flight (return-trip) itself is going to cost around £1,500 to £2,000 and most of the remainder will be for accommodation and a smaller share taken up for ticket booking. But I agree with Steve Clarke. If your financials are not good, then watch the matches in TV. Anyway, Scotland is a country of 6 million people. Out of that, only a few tens of thousands will be able to attend the matches in person.

Although FIFA are trying to subsidise the the ticket prices but I'm just wondering how this 2026 WC ticket is way more expensive than the ones of the last WC in Qatar 2022, the tickets prices went up to almost 100% of the previous one. I was reading about article some weeks ago and it was said on average, a person needs about $12000 to sort out his stay in the duration of the WC. The money covers all accommodation, feeding and flight tickets. If this is correct and it's a whole lot of money. This is not something for the middle class in my opinion and it's best you stay back and support your team from the comfort of your home.

[giorgione]

I appreciate the honesty of the Scottish manager but if someone really thinks to jeopardize his family's financial situation in order to go watch a World Cup game, I mean, come on, for real? I like football but there are way more important things in life, and going to the stadium is something extra, it's not something really necessary. And especially people who are not US citizens may take a huge risk because immigration could refuse to let you into the country for any reason. Imagine spending thousands of dollars for the plane ticket, hotel and games and then you get sent home for whatever reason...

I think that there are no political prerequisites to have a tranquility at the level of enjoying the show, this is honestly a very bad thing because the MNDO championship should be synonymous with inclusion and cohesion of countries, a party and not a witch hunt