FIFA 2026 World Cup/Ticket Discussion Thread.

[yenerbatmaz]

I always knew that this World Cup would be chaotic because of the host’s immigration strong policies but I didn’t think it would affect the officials. The matches haven’t even started yet, and the World Cup is already having controversies. What next? ICE waiting outside the stadium to check documentation of fans??

I can somewhat accept the absurd treatment they applied to the Iranian national team, because Iran and the US are at war, but what they did to this referee makes no sense. If such a situation exists, why are you even trying to host the World Cup? You hosted it in 1994. Even without the US, the World Cup could easily be hosted. I don't understand why FIFA is remaining silent on this matter.

[Supreme Donvic]

As for me the only African countries that I know we do very well in the world cup are Senegal and Morocco these two countries are doing very well and I believe they will do better in the world cup they are going to show good level of performance and they are going to surprise a lot of people I trust is two countries and I believe these two countries will go far in the world cup tournament as for the rest countries in Africa that are going to the world cup they may even be disqualified in the group stage because they are playing rubbish they are not even worthy of going to the world cup I still don't understand why Nigeria is not going to the world cup because with the level of good players that Nigeria have they were supposed to go to the world cup but because of their unseriousness in the qualifiers match that was why they could not make it.

I agree with you. Besides, I really like the style of African teams. Senegal plays spectacular football, and I think Morocco also has a great team. I still think it's a shame that Nigeria isn't there; for me, Nigeria is one of the benchmarks of good African football. However, this is football, and things happen. I have a lot of faith in Senegal, and I also hope that the teams from this beautiful continent will give us that joy of football and win a lot.

The reason why Nigeria did not qualify for the world cup is because of their lack of seriousness, when they were playing the world cup qualifiers they were never serious countries that they were suppose to win perfectly well they could not they were drawing those matches with them this are the reasons why Nigeria did not qualify and it is a big shame that Nigeria having the kind of squad they have did not make it to the world cup.
Senegal are very strong and they perform very well there's is a very big chance that this world cup they are going to go far same with Morocco but it won't be easy for them but I believe they will surely go far in the world cup competition.

[Agbe]

I can somewhat accept the absurd treatment they applied to the Iranian national team, because Iran and the US are at war, but what they did to this referee makes no sense. If such a situation exists, why are you even trying to host the World Cup? You hosted it in 1994. Even without the US, the World Cup could easily be hosted. I don't understand why FIFA is remaining silent on this matter.

FIFA has an institution supposed has a strong institutional power to defend their game participants but from look of things FIFA is not strong enough. FIFA is behaving as a powerless instruction in football. From what I am seeing now, the president of FIFA has to be removed with immediate effect. Iran National Team and the IFA, begged FIFA to fixed all their matches in Mexico and Canada yet FIFA refused and they can't even protect them. FIFA President is incapable of piloting the organization now. Somalia Referee who was one of the best in Africa just returned home. Why did FIFA picked him in the first place if they know that they can't protect him? I am not really happy of what is happening in this world cup. The interest of watching the tournament is about fading away. The Zeal is going down. Things are not right and they need to be right before tomorrow.

[LUCKMCFLY]

African teams have really performed well in every World Cup. They have been getting stronger and stronger over time. We have seen Morocco, Senegal perform exceptionally well in previous World Cups. We have also seen Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Ivory Coast compete strongly. The most exciting teams in the World Cup are Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, France, Germany. But to be honest, most of the African teams give a very strong fight to these world's best teams. Although unfortunately they do not reach the trophy, most of the African teams have very exciting matches. So, I hope African teams go far in the World Cup season and make the ordinary matches more exciting.

Yes, it's a fact that it's like that, I'm really looking forward to seeing Mexico vs South Africa, in fact I really liked the gesture of a Mexican boy who supported the South African team a lot and received the great prize of his Panini album signed with his players and also a selfie with the team, all 26 players + his coach, he was the only spectator and fan of the team, that's right, there could be a surprise, I would like the South Africans to win.

[Luzin]

I can somewhat accept the absurd treatment they applied to the Iranian national team, because Iran and the US are at war, but what they did to this referee makes no sense. If such a situation exists, why are you even trying to host the World Cup? You hosted it in 1994. Even without the US, the World Cup could easily be hosted. I don't understand why FIFA is remaining silent on this matter.

According to circulating reports, Artan underwent additional screening upon arriving at Miami Airport and was then declared ineligible for entry. U.S. authorities cited security checks as the reason for the denial, but did not disclose specific details. Artan is one of Africa's best referees and the recipient of the 2025 African Best Male Referee award. It seems we have to wait for a statement from U.S. Immigration? Is this because of discrimination? This should not have happened.

[Sexylizzy2813]

I always knew that this World Cup would be chaotic because of the host’s immigration strong policies but I didn’t think it would affect the officials. The matches haven’t even started yet, and the World Cup is already having controversies. What next? ICE waiting outside the stadium to check documentation of fans??

This is no way to go about business that concerns football, my question is why was US included in the first place? I wonder how it will be for other countries that the US don't want to have them in their country, what exactly are they trying prove? Ok let's say they prevent some of the countries not to step into their land for the world cup but not the officials, if there's a way to remove US as one of the host nations it would be better to do it now because what they are doing isn't suppose to be.

The United States is one country that thinks that the world actually revolves around them. Why host the FIFA WORLD Cup when you know that you'll not be receptive to fans and officials from different parts of the world? I don't know why FIFA is silent on this matter. We know that the US has stringent immigration rules but for the sake of the tournament they willingly bidded for, there should some kind of special visas that'll end immediately after the tournament.

That is the issue we are seeing now and we shouldn't be surprised if they start restricting players too from entering their country, it started with official and next could be the coaches of different country side and then you hear about them I mean the US not allowing some football nations from entering the country. We only have few hours to the main event and all we have been hearing isn't encouraging like this year's World Cup doesn't have that same vibe the others had. For now FIFA doesn't have the power to do anything and it's so sad that after this particular ref was sent home the football body couldn't object or at least do something to bring back the ref.
Everything is only about US, they have their things to do but this particular shouldn't have been given to them, it's like they are the ones running everything concerning this world cup but my question is, can't they make this ref to officiate in either Mexico or Canada?

[tiCeR]

I always knew that this World Cup would be chaotic because of the host’s immigration strong policies but I didn’t think it would affect the officials. The matches haven’t even started yet, and the World Cup is already having controversies. What next? ICE waiting outside the stadium to check documentation of fans??

This is no way to go about business that concerns football, my question is why was US included in the first place? I wonder how it will be for other countries that the US don't want to have them in their country, what exactly are they trying prove? Ok let's say they prevent some of the countries not to step into their land for the world cup but not the officials, if there's a way to remove US as one of the host nations it would be better to do it now because what they are doing isn't suppose to be.

The United States is one country that thinks that the world actually revolves around them. Why host the FIFA WORLD Cup when you know that you'll not be receptive to fans and officials from different parts of the world? I don't know why FIFA is silent on this matter. We know that the US has stringent immigration rules but for the sake of the tournament they willingly bidded for, there should some kind of special visas that'll end immediately after the tournament.

That is the issue we are seeing now and we shouldn't be surprised if they start restricting players too from entering their country, it started with official and next could be the coaches of different country side and then you hear about them I mean the US not allowing some football nations from entering the country. We only have few hours to the main event and all we have been hearing isn't encouraging like this year's World Cup doesn't have that same vibe the others had. For now FIFA doesn't have the power to do anything and it's so sad that after this particular ref was sent home the football body couldn't object or at least do something to bring back the ref.
Everything is only about US, they have their things to do but this particular shouldn't have been given to them, it's like they are the ones running everything concerning this world cup but my question is, can't they make this ref to officiate in either Mexico or Canada?

Is this true? This makes me sad. This should never happen. Never. Or well, I should ask for the reason? i read the text, don't feel like reading long explanations. What is the reason and do me a favour and explain, why did they decide he can't go to the United States?

I am sorry for this, I think it is wrong. Tell me what is going on here.

[laspol65]

Looks not anyone yet updating about what happening for Iraq captain  team Aymen Hussein who investigate by U.S. immigration authorities more than 7 hours, what going on with FIFA and US as the host for World Cup when any players investigating more than seven hours? Its full controversial and poorly bad as the host of World Cup edition and there are not any cases like this the players have been investigated more than seven hours by immigration authorities.

I have never heard of anyone being questioned like this before, but I think something mysterious could happen at this World Cup. They have been interrogating this player for seven hours, they are definitely trying to get some mysterious information out of him. This is not right at all. I don't know what FIFA will say about this, but we will wait for their answer.

This cases happening yesterday and FIFA still not releasing to the public why US immigration to heavy and investigating the players more than seven hours, I can't believing what happen for Iran national team players when landing at US and exactly have to play at US Stadium?


source : https://www.instagram.com/p/DZQNSsUNR3U/

I think the Iranian players must be under a lot of pressure because the World Cup is being held in the American stadium. Because the relationship between the two countries is not good due to the war situation, I think this bad situation of the war may have some impact on the players. However, we cannot say anything speculative until the game is held and the game is over, so we will wait and see what happens.

[Sexylizzy2813]

The kick off is today, Mexico vs South Africa, the African side are really good with the ball and the way and manner they approach each game is brilliant but for the Mexican side they are not to be messed with, same energy but when it comes to the attack I see them as a different team all together. SA will try their best to maybe get the first goal in this game, would have said Mexico have equal strength as SA but these European countries knows how to approach games like this especially when they look like the stronger side in their group, it will make them try hard to be group leaders, a draw could be considered for me.

[jeremypwr]

Really looking forward to the 2 opening day matches but will only be watching.
Mexico and Korea are both big favorites against their opponents; would be cool to see an upset on the first day.

[As-Soon-As]

The kick off is today, Mexico vs South Africa, the African side are really good with the ball and the way and manner they approach each game is brilliant but for the Mexican side they are not to be messed with, same energy but when it comes to the attack I see them as a different team all together. SA will try their best to maybe get the first goal in this game, would have said Mexico have equal strength as SA but these European countries knows how to approach games like this especially when they look like the stronger side in their group, it will make them try hard to be group leaders, a draw could be considered for me.

However, it will be a very competitive game between these two teams, it is very difficult to predict which team will win. Almost every team has performed well in the friendly matches, but this match will end with enough competition, but only the lucky team will be able to win. However, from my experience, I say that the chances of Mexico winning this match are much higher, because their defense is stronger than their attack.
The coach of the Mexico team, Javeir Aguirre, is a very skilled coach, he will control the players with his effort and experience, so I think Mexico will win today's match.

[@nn@_pen9]

The kick off is today, Mexico vs South Africa, the African side are really good with the ball and the way and manner they approach each game is brilliant but for the Mexican side they are not to be messed with, same energy but when it comes to the attack I see them as a different team all together. SA will try their best to maybe get the first goal in this game, would have said Mexico have equal strength as SA but these European countries knows how to approach games like this especially when they look like the stronger side in their group, it will make them try hard to be group leaders, a draw could be considered for me.

Yes, in terms of strength, the two countries are almost evenly matched in both offense and defense. It's difficult to dictate who will win a match; I estimate both teams will play very cautiously in the upcoming match. In this case, player selection and teamwork are key If the coordination between the players goes well and is planned successfully, it is not impossible that they will win. I predict that the match will most likely end with a narrow score and a victory for Mexico.

[alankasman]

However, it will be a very competitive game between these two teams, it is very difficult to predict which team will win. Almost every team has performed well in the friendly matches, but this match will end with enough competition, but only the lucky team will be able to win. However, from my experience, I say that the chances of Mexico winning this match are much higher, because their defense is stronger than their attack.
The coach of the Mexico team, Javeir Aguirre, is a very skilled coach, he will control the players with his effort and experience, so I think Mexico will win today's match.

The opening match is usually exciting because both teams have achieved positive results in their friendlies before the opening match making it very difficult to predict which team will win tomorrow's opening match.

Because these two teams have the same quality only the advantage for Mexico who acts as the host means they will be more motivated in the match because it is certain that they will be fully supported by their supporters who will fill all sides of the stadium so this is a little different from the visiting team but for South Africa this is normal because they have been the host of the World Cup in 2010, meaning for them they have experienced how it is to be the host and how they play the first match so this is no longer a problem for them in playing the opening match this year against the host team where the host coach has prepared a special strategy to face South Africa because their current coach has harmony in handling the Mexican team.

[meser#]

World Cup kicks off today with the Mexico vs. South Africa match. Mexico, having the advantage of being the host nation and being in better form, is expected to beat South Africa today. Mexico's 5-1 victory over Serbia gave me the impression that they are a good team. Because of where I am, I don't have the chance to follow Mexico or the Mexican league.

When I think of Mexico, the first thing that comes to mind is their legendary goalkeeper, Campos. Today I will be watching the Mexican national team after a long break. I wonder if their goalkeeper will be on the field in his colorful jersey again.

[Sexylizzy2813]

The kick off is today, Mexico vs South Africa, the African side are really good with the ball and the way and manner they approach each game is brilliant but for the Mexican side they are not to be messed with, same energy but when it comes to the attack I see them as a different team all together. SA will try their best to maybe get the first goal in this game, would have said Mexico have equal strength as SA but these European countries knows how to approach games like this especially when they look like the stronger side in their group, it will make them try hard to be group leaders, a draw could be considered for me.

Yes, in terms of strength, the two countries are almost evenly matched in both offense and defense. It's difficult to dictate who will win a match; I estimate both teams will play very cautiously in the upcoming match. In this case, player selection and teamwork are key If the coordination between the players goes well and is planned successfully, it is not impossible that they will win. I predict that the match will most likely end with a narrow score and a victory for Mexico.

This two countries reminded me of when they started the show back then in 2010 when South Africa hosted the World Cup , that game was mind blowing, knowing the fact that it was an event that was going on in an Africa country but today's a different bal game, different venue and different players so I can't say they understand themselves which will make it hard to penetrate each other, but it could end in a draw in the sense that both teams will be afraid of coming out to make more of the attack (a narrow win like you said) and again I have that feeling that ones there's an opening it will team either of the countries (Mexico or SA) to forget about defending more and attacking thinking is ok at the back, a goal could start coming in.

[TopT3ns]

However, it will be a very competitive game between these two teams, it is very difficult to predict which team will win. Almost every team has performed well in the friendly matches, but this match will end with enough competition, but only the lucky team will be able to win. However, from my experience, I say that the chances of Mexico winning this match are much higher, because their defense is stronger than their attack.
The coach of the Mexico team, Javeir Aguirre, is a very skilled coach, he will control the players with his effort and experience, so I think Mexico will win today's match.

Indeed, this match will be test of Mexico defensive prowess in defusing the pressure of the home crowd. Aguirre is a great manager, and keep the players on task. The team's experience in terms of being able to qualify for full marks in today match is good.

[Tonimez]

However, it will be a very competitive game between these two teams, it is very difficult to predict which team will win. Almost every team has performed well in the friendly matches, but this match will end with enough competition, but only the lucky team will be able to win. However, from my experience, I say that the chances of Mexico winning this match are much higher, because their defense is stronger than their attack.
The coach of the Mexico team, Javeir Aguirre, is a very skilled coach, he will control the players with his effort and experience, so I think Mexico will win today's match.

Indeed, this match will be test of Mexico defensive prowess in defusing the pressure of the home crowd. Aguirre is a great manager, and keep the players on task. The team's experience in terms of being able to qualify for full marks in today match is good.

For me I don't think there's any much test for Mexico to prove today against Bafana Bafana because I strongly believe that Mexico has a higher chances of winning this opener. The game which will be holding by 20:00 today will be a good game since Hugo Broos is also an experienced player who is known for his tactical prowess and having led Cameron to an Afcon title, there's high hopes on his boys to deliver this game. However, Mexico could be winning this game by 2 goals to nothing in this opener. But this is football and anything can happen too.

This game seems to be the toughest of the group A and could also be the two teams to qualify to the next round. So it's going to be an interesting game to watch.

[JeffBrad12]

I can somewhat accept the absurd treatment they applied to the Iranian national team, because Iran and the US are at war, but what they did to this referee makes no sense. If such a situation exists, why are you even trying to host the World Cup? You hosted it in 1994. Even without the US, the World Cup could easily be hosted. I don't understand why FIFA is remaining silent on this matter.

I think this decision was the outcome from the travel ban implemented by US in the past, and the travel ban is still active because US never release Somalia from its list. US put Somalia to the its travel ban due to the terrorism, and it's related to it. Beside that FIFA can't interupt US decision. The only best thing for FIFA to allow him enter Mexico and Canada to be the referee.

[Zanab247]

The kick off is today, Mexico vs South Africa, the African side are really good with the ball and the way and manner they approach each game is brilliant but for the Mexican side they are not to be messed with, same energy but when it comes to the attack I see them as a different team all together. SA will try their best to maybe get the first goal in this game, would have said Mexico have equal strength as SA but these European countries knows how to approach games like this especially when they look like the stronger side in their group, it will make them try hard to be group leaders, a draw could be considered for me.

This game is going to be a tough game between the two club, because they will like to develop some strength that will make their country to relax on them in the remaining games. For south Africa to qualified for world cup, I guess south Africa did perfectly well to ensure they are part of this world cup tournament, and they will use their opportunity well to ensure mexico make mistakes today to lose for the favour of south Africa.

I guess goal goal will happen in the first half, because the two club have potential strikers that know how to gain access to their opponent goalpost to secure goals but it will be hard for the game to end up draw 2:2. South Africa will be the lucky club that will secure victory, because they will use their players that know how to use full force to reduce mexico players strength to start securing goals that will lead them to victory.

[Agbe]

World Cup kicks off today with the Mexico vs. South Africa match. Mexico, having the advantage of being the host nation and being in better form, is expected to beat South Africa today. Mexico's 5-1 victory over Serbia gave me the impression that they are a good team. Because of where I am, I don't have the chance to follow Mexico or the Mexican league.

When I think of Mexico, the first thing that comes to mind is their legendary goalkeeper, Campos. Today I will be watching the Mexican national team after a long break. I wonder if their goalkeeper will be on the field in his colorful jersey again.

Mexico is on the winning side of the game. And if they lose in this opening game,it will be a disgrace for them since they are the hosting countries. They have to win the game or draw. And I am predicting and supporting for them (mexico) in the match.  Most of the African football fans are supporting Mexico because of the current behavior of South Africa Zulu people against other Africans.