World Cup 2026 and live updates – USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues to generate global attention as excitement grows ahead of the biggest tournament in football history.

FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and will be staged across multiple cities in North America. Organisers say more than six million tickets are expected to be sold, but the tournament has already faced controversy over pricing and accessibility.

One of the main talking points is ticket demand and affordability. Reports show that while millions of tickets have been sold, thousands of seats remain empty at some matches, with fans blaming high prices and dynamic pricing systems used by FIFA. In some venues, tickets for major games have been listed at several hundred dollars, with VIP packages reaching thousands, leading to criticism from supporters’ groups and lawmakers.

Despite this, FIFA insists demand remains strong, highlighting record global interest and high attendance in opening matches. Officials argue that pricing reflects market conditions in North America and is consistent with other major sporting events.

Political attention has also increased around the tournament. US President Donald Trump has been linked to preparations through a government task force overseeing security, visas, and logistics. He has also commented publicly on ticket prices, calling them too expensive for many ordinary fans.)

Fans travelling from around the world are already arriving in host cities such as Vancouver, Mexico City, and various US venues, where cultural festivals and fan zones are being prepared. Organisers are also introducing new stadium rules, including hydration measures and stricter security systems to handle large crowds.

However, concerns remain about immigration policies, visa access, and the overall cost of attending matches, with critics warning that the tournament could become inaccessible to many ordinary supporters.

Despite these challenges, anticipation remains extremely high as the World Cup approaches, with billions expected to follow the competition worldwide.