MEXICO CITY, June 9, (V7N)– The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the tournament can rise above anger at soaring ticket prices, an uneasy political climate in Donald Trump's America, and the shadow of conflict in the Middle East. A record 48 teams and millions of fans are set to descend on the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the first-ever World Cup co-hosted by three nations.

The action gets underway at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa, launching a nearly six-week-long spectacle that will culminate in the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 19. Key storylines include whether 38-year-old Lionel Messi can lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title, or if 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo can inspire Portugal to its maiden win.

The skyrocketing cost of tickets has triggered a global backlash. The most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final costs around $1,600 at face value; in 2026, the most expensive face value ticket is a staggering $32,970. Even US President Donald Trump balked at the cost, telling the New York Post of a $1,000 ticket for the USA's opening game: "I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you."

Human Rights Watch says Trump's crackdowns on immigration, demonstrations, and press freedom could lead to a World Cup defined by "exclusion and fear." Those fears were fueled on Monday when FIFA dropped a Somali referee from the World Cup after he was denied entry to the United States. Meanwhile, Iran has switched its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, after some 15 administrative staff were denied US visas.

On the field, the expansion to 48 teams means 72 first-round matches will eliminate just 12 teams, with 32 advancing to the knockout rounds. New rules include cooling breaks, a 10-second substitution limit, and a crackdown on racist abuse. The final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, stretching the interval from 15 to around 25 minutes.

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