"Simply the greatest event that humanity, that mankind, has ever seen." Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, has hailed the forthcoming World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada as the most inclusive and unifying to date. But for many, other superlatives apply: the most politicised, the most expensive, the hottest, the most polluting, the most lucrative for Fifa. Away from the on-field spectacle, this super-sized tournament – the first to span three countries, with 48 teams and 104 matches – could be among the most contentious ever.
In Mexico City, the legendary Estadio Azteca is poised to make history as the first venue to host the start of three World Cups. Yet even here, in a footballing hotbed, the high cost of tickets has caused concern, and security fears loom in a country that has suffered major cartel violence this year. World Cup player statues in the capital have been toppled by protesters, while teachers demanding higher wages threaten to disrupt matches if their demands are not met.
“Fifa president Infantino's 'greatest event' claim contrasts with concerns over costs, security, politics and war.”
Beyond its scale, this World Cup is unprecedented in other ways. Never before has a host nation been at war with a participating country. In February, the US and Israel attacked Iran, sparking retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. Although a ceasefire came into effect in early April, strikes between the two sides have continued. Last month, Fifa confirmed that the Iran squad had moved its base from Arizona to Mexico – the latest consequence of the military campaign. President Donald Trump at one stage warned it was not "appropriate" for the team to participate "for their own life and safety".
In Tijuana, the presence of the Iran squad underscores the complex political tensions woven into the sporting action. Around 75% of matches will be held in the US, where concerns over immigration policies and the role of President Trump add further layers of contention. As the eyes of the football world turn to Mexico City before Thursday's opening match, the co-hosts provide a vivid snapshot of what makes the next few weeks so compelling and so challenging. But what will be the principal issues? How did we get here? And what is at stake?