1. Shouldn’t football’s regulatory body FIFA be considered politically neutral?
In the months before the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has become unusually cozy with US President Donald Trump.
This included sitting on stage wearing a red USA baseball cap during a Presidential Peace Board meeting and presenting the newly created “FIFA Peace Award” to Trump during the World Cup draw.
According to its own statutes, FIFA is considered politically neutral. However, Infantino has created the impression that he is deliberately mixing international sporting politics with the interests of a state.
The fact that the United States is at war with Iran; Never before had a World Cup host country been involved in a military conflict with one of the participating teams.
2. Shouldn’t all fans be able to attend their team’s games?
American entry rules are also being sharply criticized. Strict visa rules mean that fans from many participating countries are effectively barred from attending. For Iran and Haiti, a complete entry ban on spectators applies – only teams and their support staff are allowed to enter the country.
It will also be nearly impossible for fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast to attend games, as the issuance of tourist visas to citizens of these countries has been largely suspended – partly because, in the past, many travelers from these countries overstayed their visas in the US. At one time, the US government introduced security deposits of up to $15,000 (€12,874) for visitors from certain countries – this amount was to be returned to them upon their departure. This measure was lifted for many ticket holders shortly before the start of the tournament.
US immigration policies and the prospect of operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are fueling a sense of unease. Before the event, the US government refused to rule out the possibility of investigations or arrests around World Cup stadiums.
3. Should tickets to a game really cost $690,000?
Ticket prices were exceptionally high at the start of sales; Many seats sold for thousands of dollars, while premium tickets for the final were originally priced at around $11,000.
FIFA is using “dynamic pricing”, whereby prices fluctuate significantly depending on demand. Even in the same sold-out stage, fans are paying different amounts for the same seats.
This also includes reports that buyers have received tickets for fewer seats despite selecting a specific category or location within the stadium. Fan organizations and consumer protection groups have accused FIFA of price gouging, lack of transparency and unfair sales practices and have filed a formal complaint with the European Union. The attorneys general of the US states New Jersey and New York have started investigating the FIFA tickets.
With just a few weeks to go until the opening game, very few matches were sold out. As of 28 May, the cheapest ticket for the final available on the FIFA website was listed at $8,625. The price for a seat in the wheelchair areas was a minimum of $10,350. The very last available seat – located in the front row of a section near a corner flag – was listed for $690,000.
In addition to official ticket sales, FIFA operates its own resale platform, which takes a 30% cut of each transaction. Critics argue that many fans are locked out of the tournament.
4. Shouldn’t only the best teams compete in the World Cup?
48 teams will participate in this World Cup instead of 32. As a result, the number of matches will increase from 64 to 104. Experts and many fans fear that this could weaken the playing quality of the tournament.
Also, it has become easier to advance to the knockout stage, as not only the top two finishers from each of the 12 preliminary groups will qualify, but the eight best third-place teams will also qualify. Due to the number of teams, a round of 32 has been added.
Some observers see this reform as a politically motivated decision: smaller football associations – whose votes carry significant importance within FIFA – benefit most from the allocation of additional places. This raises questions about Infantino’s motives for pursuing this expansion. Was this primarily to consolidate its power base within football’s global governing body?
5. Was the tournament not sustainable and climate-friendly?
Although FIFA has publicly advocated the causes of sustainability and climate protection, the 2026 World Cup is facing heavy criticism due to its environmental impact. Studies estimate that the tournament will generate more than nine million tons of carbon dioxide, primarily due to the distance between host cities and the high amount of air travel. Environmental organizations have labeled the event potentially “the most climate-damaging World Cup” in history.
The problem persists even at the local level. Many stadiums are located in suburbs and in some cases there is little or no public transportation available. Where public transport is available, prices have skyrocketed in some places; The cost of the short train trip from New York to MetLife Stadium was originally set at $150 (compared to the standard fare of about $13). After protests from fans, organizers eventually reduced the price to $98. The cost of shuttle bus service is now set at $20, down from the previously proposed $80. Those driving to the stadium face high parking costs at many locations, ranging from $75 to $300 depending on the game. At stadiums with the least expensive parking, there is usually an affordable public transportation option.
Critics say this means that despite FIFA’s climate pledges, many fans will be forced to make environmentally damaging – and expensive – journeys.
This article was originally published in German.