The 2026 World Cup, set to take place across 16 host cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada, will be the first tournament co-hosted by three countries, amid ongoing tensions between the nations.
The US, Mexico, and Canada have endured a fractious period, with issues such as trade, immigration, and drug-trafficking causing strain on their relationships, particularly since President Donald Trump’s return to office.
World Cup Co-Hosting Challenges
Despite these challenges, the three countries are pushing forward with the tournament, which could potentially forge closer ties between them, or exacerbate existing tensions, particularly with stepped-up US immigration enforcement efforts and American security concerns.
Experts warn that co-hosting a global sporting event is not a guarantee of a harmonious relationship between the co-hosts, citing the example of the 2002 Japan-South Korea men’s tournament, which was a “mixed bag” for the two nations with a complex history.
Fifa, however, remains optimistic, viewing the tournament as an opportunity for the three countries to come together and deliver a successful event, with the leader of each nation potentially using the tournament to prove a point to domestic critics.
Implications and Reactions
The tournament has already sparked controversy in Mexico, where there have been questions over the readiness of the capital’s main airport and public transport system, as well as concerns over cartel violence and a nationwide teachers’ union strike.
Despite these challenges, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum remains upbeat, and the tournament is seen as a chance for the three countries to put aside their differences and showcase their ability to work together, with the success of the event having broader implications for international relations and global cooperation.
