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From Iran travel disputes and Almiron’s historic red card to soaring ticket prices and FIFA criticism, the 2026 World Cup has been packed with controversy on and off the pitch.
Political disputes, visa rows, player welfare concerns, historic rule changes, controversial refereeing decisions and record-breaking ticket prices have combined to create one of the most debated tournaments in football history. (AFP)
The football has been spectacular. The controversy has been relentless.
Just weeks into FIFA World Cup 2026, the tournament has become as famous for off-field disputes and unprecedented incidents as it has for goals, upsets and unforgettable moments.
From geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions to historic red cards and complaints about the match ball, this World Cup has found itself navigating controversy at almost every turn.
Here’s a look at the biggest talking points so far.
A World Cup Host At War With A Participant Nation
Nothing has overshadowed the tournament more than the political backdrop involving Iran and the United States.
For the first time in World Cup history, a host nation entered the tournament while actively engaged in conflict with one of the participating countries. Iran qualified for the competition but was forced to abandon plans for a US-based training camp and instead set up in Mexico.
Iranian officials and coach Amir Ghalenoei have repeatedly criticised travel restrictions that require the team to fly in and out of match venues within strict time windows.
“The most oppressed team in the whole World Cup,” Ghalenoei said.
The dispute intensified after visa complications affected several Iranian staff members, while FIFA faced criticism for refusing requests to move Iran’s matches away from the United States.
Gianni Infantino And Donald Trump Under Fire
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with US President Donald Trump has also drawn scrutiny.
Critics argue that FIFA has become too closely aligned with political interests, particularly after Infantino’s repeated appearances alongside Trump and his decision to award him the FIFA Peace Prize before the tournament.
Human-rights groups have accused FIFA of abandoning political neutrality, while others have questioned whether the tournament is increasingly being used as a political platform.
The Somali Referee Visa Controversy
One of the most widely criticised incidents involved Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan.
Artan was set to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup but was denied entry into the United States. Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, FIFA ultimately removed him from the tournament roster.
The episode sparked fresh debate about visa policies and equal access at a supposedly global sporting event.
Miguel Almiron’s Historic Red Card
The most bizarre on-field controversy arrived during Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey.
Miguel Almiron became the first player ever sent off under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule after covering his mouth while speaking to Turkey defender Mert Muldur during an altercation.
After a VAR review, referee Ivan Barton produced a straight red card.
The rule was introduced to prevent players from hiding abusive language from officials and cameras. The dismissal immediately became one of the defining moments of the tournament.
The Head-To-Head Rule Debate
FIFA also introduced a major change to tournament standings.
For the first time, head-to-head results are being used ahead of overall goal difference as the primary tiebreaker when teams finish level on points.
Supporters of the change argue it rewards direct competition between teams. Critics believe overall goal difference better reflects a team’s performance across an entire group.
The rule has already complicated qualification calculations and could prove decisive as the group stage reaches its climax.
Ticket Prices Spark Fan Backlash
Fans have also voiced anger over soaring costs.
Reports emerged of World Cup final tickets being listed for as much as $2.3 million on FIFA’s resale platform, where the governing body reportedly receives commissions on transactions.
Travel costs have also surged. Train fares in New Jersey jumped from around $13 to nearly $100 during tournament periods, further fuelling criticism that the World Cup is becoming increasingly inaccessible for ordinary supporters.
Heat, Hydration Breaks And Player Welfare
Extreme weather has become another major concern.
Scientists warned before the tournament that temperatures could exceed 40°C in some venues, leading FIFA to implement mandatory hydration breaks.
While designed for player safety, the stoppages have quickly become controversial.
Coaches now routinely use them as tactical timeouts, prompting complaints that they disrupt the natural flow of matches.
Is The Ball To Blame?
The Adidas Trionda match ball has also found itself under scrutiny.
Goalkeeping experts believe the ball’s unpredictable movement may be contributing to an unusually high number of long-range goals and goalkeeping errors.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson noted that the ball has behaved unexpectedly in several matches.
Combined with altitude, heat and varying stadium conditions, many believe the ball is becoming a bigger factor than FIFA anticipated.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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