World Cup Faces New Challenges with Iran War and Mexico Violence

With 100 days until kickoff, the global soccer tournament is dealing with geopolitical tensions and cartel activity in host cities.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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With just 100 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the global soccer tournament is facing new challenges stemming from the ongoing war in Iran and cartel violence in Mexico, two of the host countries. FIFA is grappling with how the Iran conflict will affect the event, as well as scaled-back fan festival plans in the U.S. and pushback over high ticket prices. The World Cup, the biggest ever with 48 teams, is set to begin on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City.

Why it matters

The World Cup is the most watched sporting event globally, and disruptions or security concerns could significantly impact the tournament's operations and fan experience. The geopolitical tensions and cartel activity in host regions raise questions about the ability to safely and successfully stage the event.

The details

FIFA is grappling with how the ongoing war between Iran and an unnamed adversary will affect the World Cup, which Iran's women's national team is set to participate in. There are also concerns about cartel violence in one of the Mexican host cities. Organizers are also dealing with scaled-back fan festival plans in the U.S. and pushback from fans over soaring ticket prices.

  • The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, 2026.
  • The tournament will be the biggest ever, with 48 participating teams.

The players

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Iran

One of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, whose national women's team is set to participate in the tournament.

Mexico

One of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, where cartel violence is a concern in one of the host cities.

United States

One of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, where organizers are dealing with scaled-back fan festival plans.

Canada

One of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup faces significant logistical and geopolitical challenges as it approaches, with the Iran war, cartel violence in Mexico, and other issues threatening to disrupt the planning and execution of the largest global soccer tournament to date.