48 Countries and 104 Matches to be Played at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

World Cup 2026: One Year Out and Still Much to Solve in the United States

With just 12 months remaining until the first ball is kicked at the 2026 World Cup, attention is shifting from celebratory anticipation to logistical reality. The United States, alongside co-hosts Mexico and Canada, is preparing for the most expansive tournament in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. While much of the spotlight is understandably on the footballing spectacle, several challenges threaten to cloud the event’s promise.

Hosting at Scale: Logistics and Geography

Of the 104 matches scheduled between 11 June and 19 July 2026, 78 will be played in the United States across 11 cities. Mexico gets the honour of opening night, hosting the first fixtures in Mexico City and Guadalajara. Canada too will have its share of early-round fixtures, but once the knockout phase reaches the quarter-finals, all matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, shift exclusively to American soil.

Former USMNT forward Landon Donovan has declared, “I don’t think there’s any doubt that this will be the biggest sporting event in the history of the planet.” That’s a bold claim. But for that to become reality, the U.S. must overcome several political, financial and infrastructural hurdles.

Photo: IMAGO

Political Uncertainty and Visa Headaches

The return of Donald Trump to the White House introduces a degree of unpredictability to the World Cup’s global appeal. Despite his visible enthusiasm for the tournament, the World Cup trophy reportedly sitting proudly in the Oval Office, his administration’s stance on immigration has drawn criticism. Travel bans affecting nations such as Iran, Venezuela and Haiti, all in the running to qualify, pose serious questions about inclusivity.

Even for those not explicitly banned, visa wait times are staggeringly long. In Colombia, fans are facing 15-month delays. In Ecuador, it’s 10 months. That’s problematic, especially since most fans book travel only after the group stage draw, expected this December in Las Vegas.

As Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York/New Jersey host committee, put it: “The World Cup is not a domestic tournament. It is the World Cup… One of the most important elements is having the world coming to the United States.”

Security Costs and Federal Support

Security is another flashpoint. Host cities have jointly requested $625 million from the federal government to help cover costs. As of now, there’s no confirmation that this funding will be granted. Events like the chaotic scenes at last year’s Copa América final in Miami underscore the urgency.

President Trump has said he supports “whatever it takes” to ensure security and that any costs will be offset by long-term economic gains. Yet, as cities wait on answers, they are spending millions. New Jersey alone expects to pay $65 million, while Miami-Dade projects expenses exceeding $46 million.

Fans Facing High Costs and Patchy Transport

FIFA’s dynamic ticket pricing will determine how much fans must shell out. Hospitality packages are already on sale, ranging from $3,500 to a jaw-dropping $73,200. General ticket prices remain unknown, but demand and market forces will dictate affordability.

Transport is another concern. Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where free public transit was provided for ticket-holders, few U.S. cities have committed to subsidised travel. Dallas has promised 100 free buses, while others, like Atlanta and Seattle, are still working out plans. Some stadiums, such as Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and Gillette Stadium near Boston, are inconveniently located and lack reliable public transport links. Add in parking costs reaching $132 at previous tournaments, and supporters could be left frustrated before even entering the stadium.

Uncertainty But Opportunity

“We recognise we’re planning within uncertainty,” said Meg Kane of Philadelphia’s host committee. It’s a sentiment echoed across host cities, where preparations remain fluid amid political shifts and fiscal demands.

Still, officials remain bullish. “Every single game is going to sell out,” said Houston’s Chris Canetti. Donovan added, “Sporting events are expensive, man… Would I like to see it more accessible? Of course… But the market dictates what prices are gonna be.”

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be not just a celebration of global football, but also a test of American logistical, political and financial resolve. For it to succeed, the United States must ensure that “the world” really does feel welcome — and that the experience, not just the spectacle, lives up to the billing.