Al-Quds newspaper

As the start of the 2026 World Cup finals approaches, signs of an unprecedented organizational and logistical crisis are looming on the horizon, threatening the success of the largest edition in the history of the tournament. This edition, which will witness the participation of 48 teams and its 104 matches distributed across 16 cities in three vast continental countries, imposes security and technical challenges that are radically different from the smoothness that characterized the previous edition in Qatar. Observers believe that the geographical dispersion between the United States, Mexico and Canada will make the experience for fans and players alike an arduous and expensive journey.

Security concerns are at the forefront, especially with the American authorities tightening entry procedures and imposing strict restrictions on visas for fans of certain nationalities, which may prevent thousands from attending the football wedding. These complications are not limited only to borders, but also extend to the high insurance costs for official delegations and audiences in light of increasing global geopolitical tensions. Sources confirm that these measures may lead to a decline in crowd momentum, which is the real backbone of any world championship, compared to the great facilities provided in previous editions.

Logistically, fans and players face the dilemma of vast distances that require long and exhausting flights between host cities, with the subsequent jetlag and great physical strain. Prices for airline tickets and internal transportation have reached record highs, reaching ten times their usual value, not to mention the expected severe shortage of hotel rooms and high accommodation prices. These exhausting financial factors may make the 2026 World Cup limited to specific groups, and the tournament loses its popular, international character.

On the technical level, increasing the number of teams to 48 raises serious concerns about the decline in the general level of matches, especially in the first rounds, which may witness unequal confrontations. Also, holding some matches in cities that suffer from stifling humidity and heat during the summer, such as Miami and Mexico City, will inevitably affect the physical performance of the players and the quality of football performance. Technicians believe that the quantitative expansion in the number of matches may come at the expense of the quality and visual enjoyment that football fans expect every four years.

Ultimately, FIFA appears to be facing a real test of managing this complex coordination between three countries with disparate judicial and security systems. The silent tensions between the organizing countries and the enormous logistical pressures may make this edition one of the most difficult finals in history to manage. While the world awaits the starting whistle, the question remains as to whether this experience will open a new door for organizing continental championships, or will it confirm that the focused organization model, as happened in Qatar, is the most successful and most sustainable.