Who is the U.S. in conflict with ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
As the countdown begins to the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the atmosphere has shifted from excitement to global tension. This is due to an international conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has escalated into violent clashes. Beyond Iran, the U.S. also has disputes with five major countries, namely:
The U.S. military and Israel carried out operations attacking Iran, causing significant casualties and the death of Iran's supreme leader.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, questioned the appropriateness and safety of sending Iran’s team to compete on U.S. soil, stating, "It is difficult to look to the future of the World Cup with hope after this attack."
Visa issues and the United States' strict immigration policies
Trade war: Reports indicate that Donald Trump threatened to launch trade wars against Mexico and Canada early in the selection process, complicating FIFA's coordination among the three host countries.
Violence from drug cartels in Guadalajara (one of the host cities) following military operations targeting the cartel leader "El Mencho" has further undermined confidence in the joint hosts' ability to ensure safety.
Migrants from Mexico and Central America attempting to cross into the U.S. have led to tighter border controls, including the construction of the U.S.–Mexico border wall. Mexico views this issue as both economic and humanitarian.
Trump has taken a tough stance against Canada, imposing significant import tariffs and threatening a 100% tax if Canada pursued separate trade agreements with China, creating tensions.
He also threatened to suspend certification of Canadian business jets from Bombardier and impose import tariffs on Canadian aircraft up to 50%, although no such measures have been enacted to date.
Donald Trump’s threat to "annex Greenland" as part of the U.S. caused strong displeasure in Denmark and European allies, who are key teams in the 2026 World Cup.
These countries face a high risk of visa denials under the U.S. government’s strict immigration policies, creating a significant barrier for their fans attending the tournament.
In summary, the United States’ role as a co-host for the 2026 World Cup has not fully reassured fans from each nation or others regarding immigration issues and security. The conflict between the U.S. and Iran raises fears that tensions could escalate into conflicts among fans as well.