World Cup 2026: The 11 controversies that have dogged FIFA

Ticket prices: Perhaps the most disputed aspect of the tournament, fans' loyalty has been exploited by FIFA with their extortionate pricing of match tickets . From low-key group stage clashes with minnow nations to enthralling knockout stage matches, the prices of tickets have remained relatively consistent throughout the tournament but are reaching a new stratosphere with tickets for Sunday’s showpiece final starting at an incredible $7,000. 3rd place head-to-head new rules: The expanded 48-team tournament led to FIFA adjusting group stage rules where head-to-head records were favoured as opposed to goal difference, a crucial amendment given how the best third-place nations qualify for the round of 32. Nonetheless, this controversial rule change ultimately didn’t impact any nations. Banned referee: One of the biggest talking points before a ball was even kicked not just in football but around the globe, Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the USA. He was denied a single entry US visa having had alleged "association with suspected members of terror organisations". UEFA instantly hit back by appointing the 34-year-old as the referee for the Super Cup final between Aston Villa and PSG in August. Hydration breaks: One of the several new components in this year’s World Cup, the introduction of hydration breaks at the midway point of each half have come in for a lot of slack. ITV and the BBC are two of a handful of broadcasters around the world to use the time for tactical analysis instead of advert breaks with boos around each ground becoming the norm, particularly when playing in air-conditioned stadiums. Iran treatment: A valiant performance on the pitch as they narrowly missed out on a round of 32 berth, political turmoil overshadowed their success. The US government placed them under travel restrictions so they could only arrive in the city of their game a day before and 15 Iranian delegation members were denied visas. Reinforced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei labelling Team Melli the "most oppressed" team in the tournament , they faced an uphill battle as soon as they stepped foot on American soil. Folarin Balogun reversed red card: Nothing underpinned the notion of politics merging into the tournament more than Balogun’s overturned red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USA frontman was dismissed in their round of 32 clash following a late tackle on Tarik Muharemovic with US president Donald Trump subsequently calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for the decision to be reversed. That was controversially forthcoming as the ex-Arsenal youngster was allowed to play against Belgium with his ban being suspended for a year, although he made little impact as the co-hosts crashed out. Argentina treatment: Lionel Messi’s final World Cup has brought to the surface some questionable referee decisions which have directly benefited the three-time world champions. They came from behind in dramatic fashion to edge past Egypt with their opponents most notably having a penalty waved away moments before Enzo Fernandez’s last-gasp winner. Compounded by Breel Embolo’s second yellow card in the quarter-final against Switzerland, the decisions by referees in favour of Argentina have been brought into the spotlight ahead of their semi-final with England. Spidercam goal: Jude Bellingham’s equaliser just before the break against Norway has been met by protests by Stale Solbakken’s side who claim that the ball hit the spidercam wire in the build-up to the goal. However, there was no conclusive evidence with the high-tech sensor data not picking up any contact with the ball. New World Cup ball for semi-finals: Goalkeeping errors have been at the forefront of this year’s iteration but those mistakes may well be reduced for the tournament’s final four matches. FIFA have introduced the World Cup trophy-inspired ball with Snicko technology incorporated inside, allowing VAR to make decisive decisions in an efficient manner. This mirrors the Qatar World Cup where the Al Rihla ball was replaced by the Al Hilm for the semi-finals and final with the new ball’s gold, black and white colour scheme having all of the host cities showcased. Half-time show: Sunday’s showpiece final could have a half-time break lasting up to 30 minutes with Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber among those performing. The conventional 15-minute interval is set to be extended, against FIFA rules, with some of the world’s biggest musicians in action amid concerns about whether it will replace the broadcaster’s half-time analysis. 64-team tournament: Plans have already been explored for the tournament’s 100th anniversary in 2030 to have 64 nations competing . The expansion to 48 teams already caused a stir before the tournament with a round of 32 being added and a record 104 games being played, yet more teams could be vying for a place in the subsequent edition in four years.