With 100 days to go until the 2026 World Cup, the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada promises to be the most controversial and expensive in history. Kicking off on June 11, the event faces growing calls for boycotts, with US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino taking central roles. Concerns over geopolitical tensions, such as Iran's potential participation amid US bombing of its people, add to the unease.
Weather conditions will play a significant part, with heat and potential storm delays expected, as seen in the recent Club World Cup. Fans in the UK may struggle with time zones, while environmental debates intensify over hosting across three countries. Despite past controversies in South Africa, Qatar, and Russia, this edition raises unique challenges.
On the pitch, law changes will be noticeable: VAR will now review corners and yellow cards, and countdown clocks will curb time-wasting on goal-kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions. FIFA's swift implementation contrasts with the Premier League's slower adoption, as seen with VAR in 2018. A trial of Arsène Wenger's 'daylight' offside rule in Canada aims to boost goals and entertainment.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to prioritise set-pieces, with players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Dan Burn key in the heat. The Club World Cup showed high-tempo play can succeed, but less high pressing and more two-striker formations may emerge. However, soaring ticket prices, travel, and accommodation costs risk pricing out fans, threatening the tournament's atmosphere.
