The 2026 World Cup faces big challenges with only 100 days to go
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Will Iran compete? Will violence in Mexico flare up? And what about funding for host cities in the U.S.? With only 100 days left before it beings, the 2026 World Cup in North America is facing a lot of uncertainty. (Image credit: Andrew Harnik)
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The 2026 World Cup faces big challenges with only 100 days to go March 3, 2026 4:50 PM ET By Rafael Nam FIFA President Gianni Infantino takes a selfie with President Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America hide caption toggle caption Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America With only 100 days to go before the FIFA World Cup, what should have been a period of celebration is turning instead into one of turmoil. 2026 World Cup: North America 'Absolute madness': Soccer fans are outraged over ticket prices for U.S. World Cup The U.S. and Israel attacks on Iran have raised major questions about whether the Persian country will withdraw from the 48-squad tournament — a step no other country has taken after qualifying since 1950 when Scotland , as well as others such as India and Turkey , decided not to participate in part tied to travel costs to the games in Brazil. But Iran's participation is not the only uncertainty. Violence in Mexico following the killing of a cartel boss sparked questions about the country's ability to attract fans, while concerns about funding for U.S. host cities have also flared up in recent weeks. And then there is the outrage over the ticket prices , and controversy surrounding President Trump and his administration's policies, including military actions and immigration enforcement. Angst in the runup to World Cup tournaments is nothing new. Concerns about violence preceded the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments in South Africa and Brazil, while the selection of Russia and Qatar as hosts for the last previous two tournaments also sparked controversies of their own. But no World Cup men's tournament has been this big before, with 48 teams set to play 104 matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. And no recent World Cup has bee...
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