New York: The 2026 World Cup is set to break new ground by being jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This collaborative effort marks a significant shift from the usual single-nation hosting model, with the last joint hosting occurring in 2002 by Japan and South Korea. However, recent political tensions between the United States and its neighboring hosts add a layer of complexity to this arrangement.
According to Deutsche Welle, the tournament will also see an increase in participating teams, expanding from 32 to 48. This change, implemented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, introduces an additional knockout round and extends the tournament to 39 days, culminating in the final match in New Jersey on July 19. The expansion allows for new countries like Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan to debut on the world stage, with several others vying for a spot through upcoming qualifying playoffs.
The geographical spread of the 2026 World Cup presents logistical challenges, with significant distances between venues such as Vancouver and Miami. This contrasts sharply with the compact setup of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Teams will face extensive travel, exemplified by Germany’s group-stage journey covering over 2,600 kilometers.
In response to anticipated high temperatures, FIFA has mandated hydration breaks in all matches, regardless of weather conditions. This decision stems from concerns raised during the previous Club World Cup in the US, where temperatures were a significant factor.
Political factors also influence the event, as travel bans announced by President Trump affect fans from qualified nations like Iran and Haiti. While teams remain exempt, the restrictions impact supporters’ ability to attend. Additionally, the potential relocation of matches from Democratic-run cities due to security concerns looms, with FIFA expressing a commitment to safety as a priority for the tournament’s success.