"Simply the greatest event that humanity, that mankind, has ever seen." Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, was in full flow hailing this summer's World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada. But as the first pan-continental tournament in history prepares to kick off in Mexico City, many observers are reaching for very different superlatives: the most politicised, the most expensive, potentially the hottest, and the most polluting.
Never before has a host country been at war with a participating nation. Just last month, Fifa confirmed the Iran team had moved its base from Arizona to Mexico, the latest consequence of the military campaign launched in February when the US and Israel attacked Iran, sparking retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. While a ceasefire came into effect in early April, strikes between the two sides have continued.
“Infantino hails World Cup as 'greatest event' as it faces unprecedented political tensions, security fears and high costs.”
In Mexico City, the legendary Estadio Azteca is ready to make history as the first venue to host the start of three different World Cups. But protests have already erupted: player statues in the capital have been toppled, with teachers demanding higher wages threatening to disrupt matches. High ticket costs have caused concern, as has security in a country that has suffered major cartel violence this year. In Tijuana, the presence of the Iran squad underscores the complex political tensions.
The tournament's sheer scale is unprecedented: 48 teams and 104 matches spread across three countries, about 75% of them in the US. Yet controversy extends beyond the political. The role of US President Donald Trump, extreme weather, sustainability and the cost to fans all inspire trepidation as well as excitement.
Infantino, never afraid to hype football's showpiece event, has portrayed this edition as the most inclusive, welcoming and unifying to date. But as the eyes of the footballing world focus on Mexico City before Thursday's opening match, the questions mount: what will be the principal issues? How did we get here? And what is at stake? Whatever one's perspective, this super-sized World Cup could be among the most contentious ever.