Is the 2026 World Cup at risk? 100 Days to go as Mexico unrest and US policy cast shadow

In exactly 100 days’ time, Mexico and South Africa are scheduled to face off in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup. It ought to be the prelude to five weeks of captivating football, intriguing storylines and a celebration of everything that is so wonderful about football.

But, here we are, with just over three months to go and a myriad issues that need resolving.

Of the three host countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada – only one is currently trouble free.

The US, along with Israel, has waged war on tournament qualifiers Iran. They have responded by launching missiles into its neighbours, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who are also scheduled to take part this summer.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, the recent killing of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ has prompted widespread violence, particularly around host city Guadalajara.

Add in a major row regarding funding in Boston – as it stands, FIFA does not have a license to stage games in Foxboro – and the whole situation appears a mess.

Not that you’d get that impression from FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, who, when not cuddling up to Donald Trump, is self-promoting his Infantin10 brand to celebrate 10 years in the role of president.

It’s nigh-on impossible to know how this plays out, and it should be stressed that concerns around a football tournament pale into insignificance when compared to the loss of civilian life, particularly in Iran and a population that has suffered decades of oppression at the hands of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The latest death toll in the country stands at 787 and rising.

In another time, with another FIFA president, there may be greater scrutiny on a country that has waged war on another being seen as suitable hosts. But given Trump has just been awarded the ludicrous ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ that does not appear a consideration.

War in the Middle East casts doubt over Iran’s participation

The situation changes by the hour but as it stands one of the three World Cup co-hosts is bombing a nation due to compete in the summer. It seems inconceivable that Iran can take part – or they’d want to – unless a new regime is sworn in with a radically different outlook on the west, and the US in particular. That seems an impossibility.

So, what happens if Iran pull out, or are chucked out?

FIFA could make Group G a three-team pool with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, although that seems highly unlikely given the amount of TV and sponsorship revenue that would be lost by losing three games from the agreed schedule.

More likely, they would be replaced. By who’s another matter.

Iraq are due to play in the Play-Off Tournament later this month. Even if they do not qualify automatically, they may be parachuted in as the most deserving Asian nation. If they do make it through – they play the winner between Bolivia and Suriname – then the United Arab Emirates would likely step up.

Death of El Mencho brings chaos to Mexico

The death of El Mencho saw civil unrest with cars torched, roads blocked and businesses vandalised.

US tourists were advised to take shelter in a number of Mexican states as the violence continued for several days before calm was restored.

Infantino was unmoved and insisted there would be no long-term issues heading into the World Cup. “Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities,” he said. “We are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible.”

Although the situation is more settled now, teams due to play in Mexico will closely monitor local safety advice prior to committing to travel.

Funding issues cast doubt over Boston games

The locals have revolted! The Select Board – made up of residents – have denied FIFA an entertainment license due to a row over who funds the security bill for games staged in Foxboro.

At the minute, there is a $7.8million shortfall that will have to be found. The Select Board say it is not on them, or local taxpayers, while the Kraft Group, who own Gillette Stadium, and the local host committee have yet to come forth with answers.

The Select Board have set a deadline of March 17 for a license to be awarded and are warning there needs to be an agreement in place, otherwise there will be no games staged in Foxboro.

Select Board vice-chair Stephanie McGowan said: “We’re not prepared to issue this license unless everything is in place. I’ve seen people say, ‘Oh, there’s no way they won’t.’ But I am going to tell you: this board will not issue this license. I don’t feel like we’re getting the answers.

“The money has to be here. We’re a small town. This is almost 10 percent of our whole annual budget. How does anybody expect that we would [lay out the money] for someone [FIFA] who’s coming into our town for 39 days, making all these demands, and then you guys go away?

“We cannot do that to our taxpayers. We would not be responsible.”

The full schedule for the World Cup can be found HERE.