The absence of World Cup fever, a war in Iran, a massacre in Gaza, protests in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, among other countries. The United States vetoing who attends and who doesn’t—this and more—welcome to the 2026 World Cup. The success of such a contentious competition is uncertain. Let’s start with the country that will host the most World Cup teams in this tournament: the United States.
A polarized society under constant attack
On the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States faces several social challenges that are part of the context in which the tournament will take place. Among the most visible are the housing crisis, the rising cost of living, and the lack of affordable housing, especially in host cities like Los Angeles. Debates also persist about economic inequality and whether the benefits of major sporting events truly reach local communities.
At the same time, the country is experiencing intense political polarization around issues such as immigration, public safety, civil rights, and the role of government. Immigration is particularly relevant due to the importance of immigrant and Latino communities in American soccer culture. These discussions are likely to be present during the World Cup, both in public debate and in potential demonstrations and expressions of activism.
Finally, issues such as environmental sustainability, security at mass events, and freedom of expression could also receive attention during the tournament. Thus, the World Cup will take place in a context where sporting enthusiasm coexists with social and political debates that reflect the tensions and transformations of contemporary American society.
México, Cielito Lindo?
On the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico faces a social context marked by demands related to education, employment, security, and inequality. Among the most visible expressions of discontent are the mobilizations of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), which has held protests and blockades to demand changes in education policies, improved working conditions, and better retirement benefits. There have also been demonstrations by transport workers and truckers regarding issues such as operating costs, regulations, road safety, and working conditions.
These movements are compounded by demands from various social sectors related to access to public services, violence, labor rights, and economic inequalities. In cities hosting World Cup matches, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, there is also debate about whether the investments associated with the tournament will broadly benefit the population or be concentrated in certain areas and economic sectors.
Canada, a paradise compared to the previous examples
Canada arrives at the 2026 World Cup amid tensions less visible than those of the United States or Mexico, but equally significant. The main focus of concern is the rising cost of living, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where access to housing has become one of the most important political issues in the country. The combination of population growth, immigration, and a housing shortage has generated widespread debate about cities’ capacity to absorb new demands without compromising quality of life.
At the same time, Canada continues to face questions about its relationship with Indigenous peoples, whose organizations have demanded greater progress on land rights, historical justice, and participation in development projects. Labor disputes have also emerged in strategic sectors such as transportation, ports, and public services, reflecting concerns about wages, working conditions, and the impact of inflation.
Unlike Mexico, where street protests tend to be more visible, or the United States, where ideological polarization dominates, the Canadian context is marked by debates about the sustainability of the growth model, access to housing, and social cohesion. The World Cup will be held in a country that projects stability but also faces internal pressures on how to distribute the economic benefits and maintain its reputation for inclusion and well-being.
