The opening matches of the 2026 World Cup have been played, but three of the four co‑host nations’ leaders were absent from their own country’s first games. US President Donald Trump became the first American president to skip a United States opening match at a Fifa World Cup. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum also did not attend the Mexico opener at the Azteca Stadium, and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney was not present for the Canada opener in Toronto. The absences highlight a tournament already overshadowed by border security, drug‑cartel violence, eye‑watering ticket prices, and a deepening divide between global politics and sport.
The 2026 World Cup is being staged across three nations – the United States, Mexico and Canada – for the first time. All three leaders had been expected to attend their country’s opening matches, but none did. The BBC noted that Trump’s decision was particularly unusual: he became the first US president to miss an American World Cup opener. Meanwhile, the tournament kicked off with Mexico winning and Canada drawing 1‑1 with Bosnia, but the off‑pitch drama has grabbed headlines. As Channel 4 News put it, before a ball was kicked the event was “full of controversies, from strict border controls and eye‑watering ticket prices to the prospect of two countries who are at war with each other playing a game of football.”
“Explaining the 2026 World Cup's political controversies and security threats.”
Why are these tensions so pronounced? The 2026 World Cup was awarded to a joint North American bid in 2018, long before the current political climate. Since then, the US has tightened its immigration policies, and tensions between the US and Mexico over drug cartels have escalated. One of the most serious issues is the threat posed by organised crime. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has a presence in around 40 countries, dominates the Mexican state of Jalisco, where the city of Guadalajara is hosting World Cup matches. The CJNG earns billions of dollars trafficking fentanyl, meth and cocaine to the US. According to UnHerd, around a third of Mexico is ruled by cartels, and more than 130,000 people are missing nationwide. The cartel’s leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was fatally wounded by Mexican special forces in February 2026 after Trump pressured Sheinbaum to “go after” the cartels, warning he would put US troops on the ground if she didn’t. The violence has raised security fears for fans travelling to Guadalajara’s Akron Stadium.
For UK readers, the issues surrounding the 2026 World Cup are relevant because the England men’s team is playing in the tournament, and thousands of British fans are travelling to North America. Security concerns in Mexico, particularly in Guadalajara, may affect travel plans. The political tensions between the US and Mexico, as well as the strict border controls, also have practical implications for supporters crossing between host nations. Additionally, the cost of attending matches – described as “eye‑watering” – could be a barrier for fans watching from home. The tournament’s controversies also raise broader questions about whether the World Cup can remain a purely sporting event in an increasingly divided world.
Q: Why are the US, Mexico and Canada co‑hosting the 2026 World Cup? The tournament was awarded to the joint North American bid in 2018, the first time three nations have co‑hosted a men’s World Cup. The decision was made by Fifa and was seen as a way to showcase the region’s infrastructure and passion for football.
Q: Is it safe for UK fans to attend World Cup matches in Mexico? Mexican authorities have deployed extra security, but drug‑cartel violence remains a risk, especially in states like Jalisco. The UK Foreign Office advises checking travel guidance, and fans should be aware that the CJNG is active in Guadalajara, where a mass grave was recently discovered. However, matches are being held in heavily policed stadiums.
Q: Will the political tensions affect the games? On the pitch, the matches are unaffected, but off‑pitch issues such as visa delays, border checks, and security concerns have already caused problems. For example, former Arsenal player Thomas Partey was refused entry to Canada for a match. The warring countries playing each other also adds to the charged atmosphere.
What happens next? The group stage continues, with the US playing Paraguay in their opener. Attention will also focus on how security holds up in Mexico and whether any further cartel violence disrupts the tournament. The absence of the three leaders from the opening matches may spark more debate about the politicisation of the World Cup, but no further decisions have been announced. The final is scheduled for July 2026.