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

[Ale88]

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Eh, maybe you're forgetting a small detail about the Club World Cup: they were not selling tickets at all, so during the days before the matches FIFA made several last-minute offers, basically you could enter the stadium paying only a few dollars because nobody in their right mind was willing to spend hundreds of dollars to go watch some Saudi team playing... Just check this article: $20 for 5 tickets, $4/ticket: https://frontofficesports.com/club-world-cup-messi-four-dollars-tickets/

This is probably the same thing is going to happen at the actual WC because let's be serious, who is going to spend hundreds of dollars to watch a game played by totally unknown players?

I am sure that the Club World Cup caused problems as it wasn't fun to watch and they had problems getting rid of the tickets. I remember when I watched a not so popular game, you could see that plenty of seats were empty and it was quiet in the stadium.

And for the World Cup this is a real issue you are bringing up and remember that this World Cup will be the biggest World Cup ever in terms of the number of participants, i. e., more teams with low public support will take part and the prices are much higher I think than the FIFA charged back then for the Club World Cup. When teams like Panama and Haiti and Curacao play, I don't think they will be able to get people to go there and watch the games. Maybe they have a few emergency plans like inviting people for free if they realize they are about to face at least half-empty stadiums. I don't think it would be good representation for the USA if everyone in front of a TV can see empty stadiums.

I still can't believe these scandalous ticket prices that were posted here are true. 

I just checked the full calendar and I see matches like:
- Iran vs New Zealand
- Austria vs Jordan
- Ghana vs Panama
- Ecuador vs Curaçao
- New Zealand vs Egypt
- Jordan vs Algeria
- Paraguay vs Australia
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- Egypt vs Iran

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

[Sithara007]

I just checked the full calendar and I see matches like:
- Iran vs New Zealand
- Austria vs Jordan
- Ghana vs Panama
- Ecuador vs Curaçao
- New Zealand vs Egypt
- Jordan vs Algeria
- Paraguay vs Australia
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- Egypt vs Iran

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

You need to think from the prespective of a football fan from countries such as Uzbekistan, Jordan or Curaçao. This is the first time that these countries will be participating in the FIFA World Cup. There will be tens of thousands of people who are willing to travel to the US, and spend huge amounts of money to watch their matches (with the exception of Curaçao, where the total population is only around 185,000). These matches may not be of great interest for the fans from other countries. But for the fans who are from nations participate for the first time, it will be once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Ale88]

You need to think from the prespective of a football fan from countries such as Uzbekistan, Jordan or Curaçao. This is the first time that these countries will be participating in the FIFA World Cup. There will be tens of thousands of people who are willing to travel to the US, and spend huge amounts of money to watch their matches (with the exception of Curaçao, where the total population is only around 185,000). These matches may not be of great interest for the fans from other countries. But for the fans who are from nations participate for the first time, it will be once in a lifetime opportunity.

Sure, I understand this is mainly about their own fans, but how many Uzbek, Jordanians, etc etc are going to travel to the USA to watch the games? It's a genuine question because, as I said in the past, I am really curious to see how this is going to turn out: FIFA could be very right or very wrong because matches like the ones I listed are going to rely on the presence of their own fans, so they needs tens of thousands of fans to fill the stadiums.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Sure, I understand this is mainly about their own fans, but how many Uzbek, Jordanians, etc etc are going to travel to the USA to watch the games? It's a genuine question because, as I said in the past, I am really curious to see how this is going to turn out: FIFA could be very right or very wrong because matches like the ones I listed are going to rely on the presence of their own fans, so they needs tens of thousands of fans to fill the stadiums.

Well if they can't find enough interest to fill the arenas maybe they will take a page out of China's or North Korea's book and just put some actors in the stands, you know just to show how "successful" the whole event is. Wouldn't be the first time we see something like that.
I still have absolutely 0 excitement for this WC, 0.0! If there wasn't for this thread I wouldn't even waste 1 thought about it actually.

[Sithara007]

Sure, I understand this is mainly about their own fans, but how many Uzbek, Jordanians, etc etc are going to travel to the USA to watch the games? It's a genuine question because, as I said in the past, I am really curious to see how this is going to turn out: FIFA could be very right or very wrong because matches like the ones I listed are going to rely on the presence of their own fans, so they needs tens of thousands of fans to fill the stadiums.

At least in the case of Jordan, I would assume that tens of thousands of fans will travel to the United States. Jordan is one of the relatively prosperous (and stable) countries in the middle-east. And in case of Uzbekistan, they are the most populous Central Asian nation with a population of 38 million (not sure how many of them will travel to the United States though). All that said, it will be a tough challenge to fill the stadiums in the US. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, most of the stadiums had a capacity of somewhere between 40,000 and 50,000. The comparative number for stadiums in US is >70,000.

[Emitdama]

It's too fast to draw such conclusion. We're still months away from world cup. So i guess the situation will clam down when we're getting closer to the world cup. There will be also intercontinental playoff games to happen next month. If it will be rescheduled due to the increase of intensity at Mexico.
So it's fine to relocate the World Cup from Mexico. let's see what's going to happen with Intercontinental play off.

What's happening right now has heightened concerns for the safety of the fans and even the players themselves. And actually this concern has been there for a long time, and now it is compounded by what is happening there. I want to see how FIFA responds to this, because after all this is a very important matter to be addressed as soon as possible.

We also as football lovers who are waiting for this biggest party will definitely regret if this World Cup becomes a World Cup that is not very comfortable and safe, although maybe we don't come there directly, but still the concern is very big.

Situation in Mexico is currently not good because Government is having grand operation against drug cartels and it is creating serious trouble for them, but this is happening for better arrangements for FIFA World Cup and I am sure that things will be under control within days.

Now around 108 days remaining for the start of mega event, and they are doing right things on right time because they understand importance of this event and due to this, authorities are in action today. 25 National Grand members died during operation, but surely things will be under their control. Mexico and few South American countries are having this problem for long time which now needed to be settled.

[Ruttoshi]

Sure, I understand this is mainly about their own fans, but how many Uzbek, Jordanians, etc etc are going to travel to the USA to watch the games? It's a genuine question because, as I said in the past, I am really curious to see how this is going to turn out: FIFA could be very right or very wrong because matches like the ones I listed are going to rely on the presence of their own fans, so they needs tens of thousands of fans to fill the stadiums.

I understand your point. The turn up might not be much because of lack of easy access to the stadium for citizens from those countries you mentioned that are not based in the US, or living far away from the US. However, citizens that are living in the US and the neighboring countries will go and watch the match because they see it as a life time opportunity.

Other football lovers that are neither from these countries will also go for fun because they have enough funds to entertain themselves. We're all going to see the turn up of people on that day in the stadium when these countries will face each other.

[Die_empty]

I just checked the full calendar and I see matches like:
- Iran vs New Zealand
- Austria vs Jordan
- Ghana vs Panama
- Ecuador vs Curaçao
- New Zealand vs Egypt
- Jordan vs Algeria
- Paraguay vs Australia
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- Egypt vs Iran

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

Only nationals of these countries will watch these games out of patriotism.  I don't think many people would spend time viewing these games because I doubt that they will be interesting based on the quality of these countries. The only time I would be interested in viewing any of these countries is when they advance to the second round or higher, when they will be paired with highly placed countries. Maybe FIFA would reduce the price of the ticket or even allow free access if they want the stadium to be filled.

[Italian Panic]

The new world cup's format it's horrible, not for presence of little teams but for this tipe of triangular game. I prefer the old version of world cup: three match in a group stage and afer go with direct elimination.

[Sithara007]

The new world cup's format it's horrible, not for presence of little teams but for this tipe of triangular game. I prefer the old version of world cup: three match in a group stage and afer go with direct elimination.

I don't understand.

That is the same format being used this time as well, right? Each team will play 3 matches in group phase and after that it is do or die once they enter the Round of 32. The only difference is that the knockout stage now consists of 32 teams (and not 16 as was the case with previous editions). What this means is that along with the 24 first and second placed teams in each group, a total of 8 third placed teams will also qualify for the next phase. But then again, it is going to be a knockout. If any of these teams lose a single match, they are out of the tournament.

[KTChampions]

Situation in Mexico is currently not good because Government is having grand operation against drug cartels and it is creating serious trouble for them, but this is happening for better arrangements for FIFA World Cup and I am sure that things will be under control within days.

Now around 108 days remaining for the start of mega event, and they are doing right things on right time because they understand importance of this event and due to this, authorities are in action today. 25 National Grand members died during operation, but surely things will be under their control. Mexico and few South American countries are having this problem for long time which now needed to be settled.

Today I saw a news report from one of the cities in Mexico where the 2026 World Cup games will be held, with tons of clouds of smoke – as if there was military action going on. That's essentially what's happening. I wonder if anyone with common sense has yet changed their mind about attending this tournament? Honestly, at this point, I don't see any point in it at all, the risk is too great. It's a shameful situation. Tournaments of this caliber shouldn't be held in backward countries (which I include the United States in).

[Qhunman]

I just checked the full calendar and I see matches like:
- Iran vs New Zealand
- Austria vs Jordan
- Ghana vs Panama
- Ecuador vs Curaçao
- New Zealand vs Egypt
- Jordan vs Algeria
- Paraguay vs Australia
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- Egypt vs Iran

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

I can see lots of interesting matches to watch but I will watch it on the television because I wouldn't be able to travel to the United State just to watch the match considering the travelling fees. The turn up would be much and I think people will still find time to watch the matches especially nationals residing in the united states. If I have the money,it would be fun travelling to the United States to watch Paraguay vs Australia match.

[BitBakerr1]

Situation in Mexico is currently not good because Government is having grand operation against drug cartels and it is creating serious trouble for them, but this is happening for better arrangements for FIFA World Cup and I am sure that things will be under control within days.

Now around 108 days remaining for the start of mega event, and they are doing right things on right time because they understand importance of this event and due to this, authorities are in action today. 25 National Grand members died during operation, but surely things will be under their control. Mexico and few South American countries are having this problem for long time which now needed to be settled.

Today I saw a news report from one of the cities in Mexico where the 2026 World Cup games will be held, with tons of clouds of smoke – as if there was military action going on. That's essentially what's happening. I wonder if anyone with common sense has yet changed their mind about attending this tournament? Honestly, at this point, I don't see any point in it at all, the risk is too great. It's a shameful situation. Tournaments of this caliber shouldn't be held in backward countries (which I include the United States in).

You should confirm what is happening before concluding, it may not be a military action that caused the smoke, since they said the World Cup will be holding in the United States and Mexico a lot of news has been coming out online to make people fear, for what I know United States has the best military in the world and also the best intelligence in the world and I believe they will make sure that the World Cup will be very successful and peaceful anyone who wants to buy ticket and visit the World Cup should do that, for me the only issues I have with this World Cup is the price of tickets is too costly and my country didn’t qualify, that’s the only reason I have decided not to go to this years World Cup competition.

[Bitcoin_Budha]

Situation in Mexico is currently not good because Government is having grand operation against drug cartels and it is creating serious trouble for them, but this is happening for better arrangements for FIFA World Cup and I am sure that things will be under control within days.

Now around 108 days remaining for the start of mega event, and they are doing right things on right time because they understand importance of this event and due to this, authorities are in action today. 25 National Grand members died during operation, but surely things will be under their control. Mexico and few South American countries are having this problem for long time which now needed to be settled.

Today I saw a news report from one of the cities in Mexico where the 2026 World Cup games will be held, with tons of clouds of smoke – as if there was military action going on. That's essentially what's happening. I wonder if anyone with common sense has yet changed their mind about attending this tournament? Honestly, at this point, I don't see any point in it at all, the risk is too great. It's a shameful situation. Tournaments of this caliber shouldn't be held in backward countries (which I include the United States in).

107 days remaining in start of FIFA World Cup and suddenly serious conflict started in Mexico It's surely nothing about drugs cartel or anything related to this maybe this started as USA wants Mexico out of hosting this World Cup because recently they are not happy with their policies and situation.

Even still long way to go, but this is going to be serious problem for peoples in this country because they are well aware consequences of this while the USA is already well-prepared about this and World Cup they can host with Canada while this also could be done good economical favorable for the USA and Canada while Mexico which is already suffering can face more problems in near future.

[Sithara007]

Today I saw a news report from one of the cities in Mexico where the 2026 World Cup games will be held, with tons of clouds of smoke – as if there was military action going on. That's essentially what's happening. I wonder if anyone with common sense has yet changed their mind about attending this tournament? Honestly, at this point, I don't see any point in it at all, the risk is too great. It's a shameful situation. Tournaments of this caliber shouldn't be held in backward countries (which I include the United States in).

At the moment, it is civil war-like situation in Mexico after the death of cartel boss El Mencho. Mexican president has deployed the military to the affected areas, and so far more than two dozen National Guard members have been killed (cartels have lost even more people). Three cities in Mexico are scheduled to host the world cup matches. These are: Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. FIFA hasn't yet made an announcement regarding the violence and the capability of Mexico to host the matches. Some of the Western media outlets have requested FIFA to strip Mexico of hosting rights.

So far, the violence seems to be concentrated in and around the state of Jalisco. The city of Guadalajara (which will be hosting multiple matches) is the capital of Jalisco.

[Slow death]

I just checked the full calendar and I see matches like:
- Iran vs New Zealand
- Austria vs Jordan
- Ghana vs Panama
- Ecuador vs Curaçao
- New Zealand vs Egypt
- Jordan vs Algeria
- Paraguay vs Australia
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- Egypt vs Iran

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

In my case, I prefer to watch the games on television, and even then I won't watch all the games, only those involving the best teams in the world. Now, I believe that even in games involving smaller teams, the stadiums will be packed. There are people for whom the most important thing is to go to the stadium, take photos and videos to show that they are at the World Cup; these types of people will go to every game they can. And they don't even worry about the game itself

[dollyamo]

At least in the case of Jordan, I would assume that tens of thousands of fans will travel to the United States. Jordan is one of the relatively prosperous (and stable) countries in the middle-east. And in case of Uzbekistan, they are the most populous Central Asian nation with a population of 38 million (not sure how many of them will travel to the United States though). All that said, it will be a tough challenge to fill the stadiums in the US. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, most of the stadiums had a capacity of somewhere between 40,000 and 50,000. The comparative number for stadiums in US is >70,000.

There are many teams that need the support of the team and it is not easy when the distance is so great, the stadiums are incredibly large in the USA and this can be an advantage for the large masses of people who will move and travel there to watch their national team play.

[retreat]

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

Perhaps citizens of each of these countries are willing to spend hundreds of dollars just to watch their favorite teams play. But for me personally, I wouldn't want to spend money to watch those matches - if it were a match between a big team, maybe I would pay the subscription fee to watch it, but since it's a less interesting team to watch, I'll just skip it and choose to watch the match highlights if they are available on YouTube. And I think that most Americans might think the same way I do, because they are still not that familiar with football, let alone watching matches from other countries, maybe they will think twice about spending some dollars just to watch a country they are not familiar with.

[pewboy]

This has caused riot in the state and I hope this is not going to affect the world cup competition that is coming up soon.
I have need see different violence on the news how the cartel members are busy turning places ablaze while people are running to a safe ground where they can be protected. The Mexican government needs to fix this before it's too late.

I don't think this thing affects the World Cup competition, there are tough laws to respect and when they have mobilized to have the competition in their country it is right that they try to do everything possible to have the competition and that everything goes in the best possible way.

[letteredhub]

It's too fast to draw such conclusion. We're still months away from world cup. So i guess the situation will clam down when we're getting closer to the world cup. There will be also intercontinental playoff games to happen next month. If it will be rescheduled due to the increase of intensity at Mexico.
So it's fine to relocate the World Cup from Mexico. let's see what's going to happen with Intercontinental play off.

What's happening right now has heightened concerns for the safety of the fans and even the players themselves. And actually this concern has been there for a long time, and now it is compounded by what is happening there. I want to see how FIFA responds to this, because after all this is a very important matter to be addressed as soon as possible.

We also as football lovers who are waiting for this biggest party will definitely regret if this World Cup becomes a World Cup that is not very comfortable and safe, although maybe we don't come there directly, but still the concern is very big.

Unfortunately with what's going on in Mexico which has spark insecurities concerns across the globe as host of the prestigious tournament in the world, yet there's nothing much FIFA can do at this time due to the short timeframe left to the World Cup date. Four months to go, and which nation can prepare to replace Mexico within such short time.of 4 months. Both the government of Mexico and FIFA has to swift into action to calm the situation in order that football fans and players can have the confidence to embrace the competition without fear of any attack.