00:03The 2026 World Cup will be unique. For the first time, three countries will host the tournament – Mexico, Canada
00:10and the United States.
00:12In total, 104 matches are scheduled in 16 different stadiums, with the expanded competition featuring a record 48 teams.
00:19The 23rd edition of the World Cup kicks off at the famous Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on the 11th
00:25of June.
00:25After that, there will be two more opening ceremonies for the other host countries, one in Toronto and another in
00:31Los Angeles.
00:32France and Spain are among the main favourites to lift the trophy, with England also tipped as a possible challenger
00:38for the title.
00:39FIFA is also planning an unprecedented half-time show for the final at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on
00:44the 19th of July, following the example of the US Super Bowl.
00:48Madonna, Shakira and BTS will be the headliners.
00:51The 2026 World Cup has also faced plenty of criticism, largely for the cost of match tickets.
00:56The most expensive face value ticket being sold for the final is $32,970, compared to $1,600 for the
01:042022 final in Qatar.
01:06In April, tickets for the final were being advertised for more than $2 million each on FIFA's own World Cup
01:11resale website.
01:12The tournament is expected to generate $13 billion for FIFA, with fan organisations describing the pricing structure as a monumental
01:20betrayal of fans.
01:21Iran's participation in the World Cup is another topic of controversy, following the US and Israel's war against Tehran.
01:27Known as Team Melly, the Iran squad has moved its base to Mexico from Arizona in order to avoid complications
01:33related to US visas.
01:35Critics have also pointed to the feverish political climate in the United States, as well as fears of immigration crackdowns
01:41on fans during the tournament.
01:42Extreme heat at the World Cup is threatening to push players' fitness to the limit, too.
01:47Temperatures look set to exceed 30 degrees in numerous stadiums, with three-minute hydration breaks being introduced in each half.
01:54A team of climate scientists recently released a report that said gruelling heat could impact a quarter of slated games,
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