Ticket Prices Spark Fan Outrage
The most disputed aspect of the tournament has been FIFA's extortionate pricing of match tickets. From low-key group stage clashes to enthralling knockout matches, prices have remained consistently high. Tickets for Sunday's showpiece final start at an incredible $7,000, exploiting fans' loyalty.
Third-Place Head-to-Head Rule Change
The expanded 48-team tournament led FIFA to adjust group stage rules, favouring head-to-head records over goal difference. This amendment was crucial given that the best third-place nations qualify for the round of 32. However, the controversial rule change ultimately did not impact any nations.
Banned Referee Denied US Entry
Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the USA before a ball was kicked, having alleged 'association with suspected members of terror organisations'. UEFA hit back by appointing the 34-year-old as the referee for the Super Cup final between Aston Villa and PSG in August.
Hydration Breaks Draw Criticism
Hydration breaks at the midway point of each half have come in for criticism. Broadcasters like ITV and the BBC use the time for tactical analysis instead of ad breaks, with boos around each ground becoming the norm, particularly in air-conditioned stadiums.
Iran's Treatment Overshadows Performance
Political turmoil overshadowed Iran's valiant performance on the pitch, as they narrowly missed a round of 32 berth. The US government placed travel restrictions, allowing them to arrive only a day before their game, and 15 Iranian delegation members were denied visas. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei labelled Team Melli the 'most oppressed' team in the tournament.
Folarin Balogun's Reversed Red Card
USA frontman Folarin Balogun was dismissed in the round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a late tackle. US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for the decision to be reversed, which was controversially forthcoming. Balogun's ban was suspended for a year, but he made little impact as the co-hosts crashed out.
Argentina's Questionable Referee Decisions
Lionel Messi's final World Cup has seen questionable referee decisions benefiting the three-time world champions. They came from behind to edge past Egypt, with opponents having a penalty waved away moments before Enzo Fernandez's last-gasp winner. Breel Embolo's second yellow card in the quarter-final against Switzerland also drew scrutiny ahead of the semi-final with England.
Spidercam Goal Controversy
Jude Bellingham's equaliser against Norway has been protested by Stale Solbakken's side, who claim the ball hit the spidercam wire in the build-up. However, no conclusive evidence was found, with high-tech sensor data not picking up any contact with the ball.
New World Cup Ball for Semi-Finals
FIFA introduced a World Cup trophy-inspired ball with Snicko technology incorporated inside for the final four matches, allowing VAR to make decisive decisions efficiently. This mirrors the Qatar World Cup, where the Al Rihla ball was replaced by the Al Hilm for the semi-finals and final.
Half-Time Show to Extend Interval
Sunday's final could have a half-time break lasting up to 30 minutes, with Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber among those performing. The conventional 15-minute interval is set to be extended, against FIFA rules, amid concerns about replacing broadcasters' half-time analysis.
64-Team Tournament Plans for 2030
Plans have been explored for the tournament's 100th anniversary in 2030 to have 64 nations competing. The expansion to 48 teams already caused a stir, with a round of 32 added and a record 104 games played, yet more teams could be vying for a place in the subsequent edition.
