Alejandro Fernández and Tyla will perform national anthems, Salma Hayek Pinault will serve as ambassador, and Ryan Castro joins J Balvin on stage at the opening match in Mexico City. The ceremony starts 90 minutes before kick-off.
A special report alleges FIFA orchestrated a large-scale World Cup ticket scheme, with decisions made from the president's office. Critics call it a 'rip-off,' noting FIFA rejected similar plans in 1994 and may have violated its own statutes.
The Copa Independent podcast offers episodes on World Cup nostalgia, history, and current issues like cost and Iran, plus a list of the 100 greatest players. Listen to all episodes online.
Visa problems faced by Iranian nationals over the weekend underscore the strained relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Trump administration. Despite Infantino's overtures, the U.S. has provided minimal assistance ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
As the World Cup nears, pre-tournament narratives extend beyond ball technology to include cultural, historical, and social issues, enriching the build-up to the global event.
Social media posts alleging Western media are ignoring issues around the 2026 World Cup are contradicted by ongoing coverage from major outlets. Analysts suggest the posts may be part of a coordinated campaign.
Recent visa problems for Iran's World Cup team underscore tensions between FIFA and the Trump administration, despite public displays of cooperation. The U.S. has provided minimal assistance to FIFA, raising concerns about freedom of movement guarantees for tournaments.
In 2023, FIFA stripped Indonesia of the U-20 World Cup over a vague reason after it refused entry to the Israeli team. Now, FIFA says it is not involved in host immigration processes, drawing contrast.
Multiple sources report that national associations are being urged to write endorsement letters for FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of a World Cup marked by visa disputes. The controversy highlights FIFA's deviation from its own rules and raises questions about hosting the tournament in a state that does not fully embrace it.
FIFA is breaking its own precedent by allowing the 2026 World Cup to proceed in a host nation facing visa controversies and political tensions, marking the first time such issues have occurred at a modern tournament.
