The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on, and the excitement is palpable across North America. On June 11, 2026, Mexico City will play host to the opening match, kicking off a historic tournament that spans three countries—Mexico, the United States, and Canada. With a record 48 national teams and 104 matches on the schedule, this will be the largest World Cup in history. But as anticipation builds for the on-field drama, organizers and national teams alike are racing to tackle a slew of logistical and political challenges that could shape the tournament’s legacy.
At the heart of the preparations lies a massive logistical puzzle. Mario Veraldo, CEO of MTM Logix and a logistics coordinator for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, knows firsthand what’s at stake. “There are two moments in an event like the World Cup. The first is that many adjustments must be made, beyond the stadium, across the entire logistics infrastructure. Everything changes—not just cargo logistics but arrivals, departures, buses, railways, everything that a tournament of this magnitude entails,” Veraldo told reporters. His words ring especially true as the 2026 edition will stretch across the vast territories of North America, presenting unique hurdles for teams, fans, and organizers alike.
One of the key challenges is mobility. While Mexico is smaller in size compared to Brazil, the combined geography of Mexico, the United States, and Canada creates a logistical labyrinth. “The entire internal transportation structure during the World Cup has to be adapted: from flights to where the teams train,” Veraldo emphasized. Teams will be crisscrossing borders, not only to play matches but also to access training facilities and accommodations. The need for seamless coordination between flights, buses, and even railways is paramount to ensure that squads arrive rested and ready to compete.
Mexico’s iconic stadiums—the Azteca in Mexico City, BBVA in Monterrey, and Akron in Guadalajara—will be in the global spotlight. But beyond the pitch, the ripple effects of the World Cup will be felt in Mexico’s tourism hotspots. “Mexico is a spectacular country. In July 2026, Cancún, Los Cabos, and Vallarta will be full. Tourism logistics will be impacted, but so will consumption: food and liquor will spike during the World Cup, pressuring the country’s distribution chains,” Veraldo warned. Local businesses are bracing for an unprecedented surge in demand, and the pressure is on to keep supply chains moving smoothly.
National teams face their own logistical headaches. Each squad travels with an entourage of directors, relatives, and medical staff—not to mention specialized equipment crucial for player performance. “Everything has to come in and out. If a team plays in Mexico and then in the U.S., it must transport its specialized equipment. Otherwise, you risk affecting the team’s performance,” Veraldo pointed out. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as even minor disruptions could have major consequences on the field.
Airports, Veraldo noted, are perhaps the greatest concern of all. It’s not just about capacity, but about the intricate choreography of flight schedules, parking, and access for thousands of players, officials, and fans. With the logistics impact alone expected to generate between 3 and 4 billion U.S. dollars in additional revenue, the pressure is on for organizers to get it right.
While the world’s attention is fixed on the grand stage of the World Cup, national teams are already deep into their qualification campaigns. In Africa, Ghana’s Black Stars are gearing up for crucial Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures in September 2025, as part of the road to North America. The team currently sits atop Group I with 15 points and hopes to solidify its position as the qualifiers reach a pivotal stage.
The Black Stars are scheduled to open camp in Accra on Monday, September 1, 2025, as they prepare for a challenging doubleheader. First up is a trip to the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in Chad on Thursday, September 4. Four days later, they’ll return home to face Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.
Dr. Richard Nsenkyire, a member of the Black Stars’ Management Committee, has issued a stern warning against complacency. “The team must avoid complacency because anything can happen in football, and for the supporters, we are counting on you,” he told Asempa FM. His message is clear: with the group lead at stake, there’s no room for error. The team’s focus and determination will be key as they look to secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the political climate surrounding the World Cup has added another layer of complexity. In July and August 2025, rumors swirled online that FIFA was considering moving World Cup games from the United States to Canada due to immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Viral posts on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram claimed that Canada would “TAKE U.S. spot as FIFA RELOCATES World Cup Matches—Billions in Revenue LOST,” citing new travel bans and visa restrictions as possible reasons.
However, these rumors have been debunked. As of August 28, 2025, there is no official announcement from FIFA about moving any U.S. World Cup games to Canada. According to FIFA’s official match schedule, Canada is set to host 13 games—seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto. This schedule remains unchanged from earlier in the year, and FIFA has made no public moves to alter it.
That’s not to say the concerns are unfounded. Advocacy groups have urged FIFA to address human rights issues related to U.S. immigration policies, including travel bans, visa restrictions, and the detention and deportation of non-citizens. On July 1, activists gathered outside FIFA’s legal office in Coral Gables, Florida, calling for the organization to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials away from the games. In a joint letter, 90 U.S. civil society organizations urged FIFA to “use its influence” to ensure that foreign visitors and U.S. residents are treated fairly during the tournament.
Human Rights Watch also weighed in, writing to FIFA president Gianni Infantino in May to highlight “the threat U.S. immigration policies pose to the tournament’s integrity.” FIFA responded by reaffirming its commitment to human rights, stating, “FIFA is committed … in ensuring respect for human rights in matters linked to any of its activities.” The organization emphasized that it expects host countries to “take measures to ensure that any eligible persons who are involved in the competition are able to enter the respective countries.”
Despite these assurances, questions remain about how immigration policies might impact players, fans, and officials traveling to the United States for the World Cup. Politico reported that Infantino was “amused” by media speculation regarding President Trump’s willingness to relax border rules for the event, but so far, no official changes have been announced.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, the world is watching—not just for the goals and glory, but for how North America navigates the unprecedented logistical and political challenges at hand. With national teams like Ghana fighting for their place in the spotlight and organizers working around the clock to keep the tournament on track, the next year promises to be as dramatic off the field as it will be on it.
For now, the schedule is set, the preparations are underway, and the anticipation is building. The beautiful game is about to take center stage in North America—and the world will be watching every move.
