FIFA World Cup Controversies: The 2026 World Cup has been surrounded by several controversies across the three host nations of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ticket prices have drawn criticism, along with inadequate public transit access to many venues. Mandatory hydration breaks, introduced to address extreme heat, were criticised after broadcasters used them to air commercials. Climate experts project that the World Cup will be the most polluting sporting event in history.
Additional concerns have included labour disputes at SoFi Stadium, security and infrastructure issues across all three host nations, cartel-related unrest in Guadalajara, and cost overruns in Canadian host cities. Spanish has been restricted at official press conferences, despite being the primary language of co-host Mexico.
5 of the Biggest FIFA World Cup Controversies
Somali World Cup Referee Denied Entry to United States
A Somali referee named Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, even though he had a valid visa.
The US administration has implemented sweeping travel bans on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia, as well as four World Cup teams: Haiti, Iran, Senegal and Ivory Coast. A US official claimed, without providing evidence, that Artan was denied entry due to links to suspected members of terror organisations.
Artan is a respected referee and was named CAF Men’s Official of the Year in 2025. FIFA remained silent in his defence, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino telling critics to “chill and relax.” Artan returned home to a hero’s welcome. He will be paid in full and will referee the UEFA Super Cup next season.
Backlash After Folarin Balogun Suspension Controversy
FIFA faced questions over its disciplinary process after the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban following a direct intervention by US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision, saying he had told Trump the case was subject to an ongoing legal process.
The decision drew condemnation from UEFA, which said FIFA had “crossed a red line.” The Royal Belgian Football Association and several other national federations also criticised the move. Many argued that FIFA had undermined confidence in its own disciplinary system.
Donald Trump told reporters he had asked for a review and that FIFA had made a “brilliant decision.” He also questioned the quality of referee Raphael Claus, who had sent Balogun off, saying he was “a little bit suspect if you check his past.” The Brazilian FA rejected any suggestion regarding the referee’s integrity, while FIFA again failed to fully back their official.
VAR Controversies Spark Debate During 2026 FIFA World Cup
VAR has been a source of several contentious decisions at the World Cup.
One of the loudest controversies came in Argentina’s round of 16 win over Egypt. Egypt were leading the defending champions 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining before conceding three late goals and losing 3-2. A goal by Egypt in the 62nd minute, which would have doubled their lead, was disallowed after a VAR review identified a foul in the build-up.
VAR was also a major issue in Argentina’s quarter-final win over Switzerland. Swiss striker Breel Embolo was dismissed in the 72nd minute for diving, just five minutes after their equaliser. The referee had initially booked an Argentina midfielder before a lengthy VAR review established that Embolo had not been fouled.
Backlash Over Soaring World Cup Ticket Prices
FIFA has faced repeated criticism over the cost of World Cup tickets. Earlier this week, it was revealed that nearly 1,200 category two tickets for the final on July 19 were priced at $7,380 each.
A fan group filed a lawsuit over excessive ticket prices. In April, FIFA had four tickets on its resale market priced at $2 million each. Infantino defended the prices, insisting FIFA was obliged to take advantage of US laws that allow tickets to be resold for thousands above face value. FIFA also faces a subpoena from the US states of New York and New Jersey as part of an investigation into ticket pricing and the accuracy of seat locations for the World Cup.
Criticism Over Mandatory World Cup Hydration Breaks
FIFA introduced mandatory hydration breaks in all World Cup matches, regardless of temperature, claiming they would benefit player welfare due to heat. The rule was criticised for disrupting matches and effectively splitting games into four quarters.
A meteorologist said while some venues like New York and Miami have been hot enough, there is no justification for breaks in air-conditioned arenas like Dallas or Atlanta. He said it was hard to see it as anything other than a commercial venture worth millions of dollars in advertising to US TV channels.
FAQs
Q. Why was Omar Artan denied entry to the US?
A. US officials claimed security concerns despite his valid visa.
Q. Why was FIFA criticised over Folarin Balogun?
A. His suspension was paused after political intervention.
Q. Why has VAR been controversial?
A. Several key decisions changed the outcome of matches.
Q. Why are fans unhappy with ticket prices?
A. Many World Cup tickets were sold at very high prices.
Q. Why are hydration breaks being criticised?
A. Critics say they interrupt matches and are unnecessary in some stadiums.
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