The 2026 World Cup’s Messy Legacy

The 2026 World Cup was touted as a celebration of football’s global appeal, but beneath its gleaming surface lay a complex web of issues that threaten to tarnish the sport’s reputation. As the tournament’s dust settles, it’s clear that FIFA’s showcase event left more questions than answers.

A record 6.8 million fans attended the games, but many seats remained vacant throughout the tournament, particularly during the group stage. The average attendance of around 65,000 is impressive, yet it’s hard to ignore the sea of empty seats at some stadiums.

The introduction of hydration breaks was a contentious aspect of the World Cup. While many supported the measure as a necessary step to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses, others saw it as an unnecessary disruption to the game’s flow. Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa lambasted the innovation, stating that it “takes away from the game what makes football so culturally significant.”

The tournament also highlighted the complex relationships between politics and sport. US President Donald Trump’s involvement sparked controversy, with some accusing Infantino of bowing to pressure from the White House. However, this criticism is unlikely to impact Infantino’s chances at re-election in 2027.

Security concerns were a major issue, particularly in Mexico where several incidents marred the tournament. The war in the Middle East and unrest in Mexico had raised fears about fan safety, but the games in Canada and the US largely passed off without incident. There were reports of fans storming a crowded fan zone in Guadalajara, and a car plowing into celebrating crowds.

The treatment of Somali referee Omar Artan serves as a stark reminder of the human rights issues that plague football’s international competitions. Despite having a valid visa, Artan was denied entry to the US due to security concerns related to his alleged ties to a terrorist organization. This incident raises questions about FIFA’s commitment to upholding its own human rights standards.

FIFA’s handling of visas for fans has also come under fire from human rights organizations and fan groups. The opaque process prioritizes wealthy nations over poorer ones, undermining the World Cup’s supposed inclusivity. Many non-European fans faced significant barriers to entry due to restrictive visa policies.

The astronomical costs inside stadiums – up to €20 for a beer or €17 for French fries – left many fans feeling ripped off. This was just one of several issues that left a sour taste in many mouths, including the opaque ticket pricing and parking fees.

FIFA’s leadership must now confront the complex issues that threaten to undermine football’s global appeal. Will they heed the warning signs and address these problems, or will they continue prioritizing profits over people? The future of the sport hangs in the balance as it grapples with its messy legacy.

In the end, the 2026 World Cup was not just about football – it was about power, politics, and the human cost of spectacle. As we reflect on this tournament’s many contradictions, one thing is clear: FIFA must confront its own demons if it hopes to emerge from this ordeal with its reputation intact.