World Cup 2026: Good Football, Troubling Off-Pitch Story
The 2026 World Cup has drawn to a close in New Jersey, and while there was plenty to enjoy on the pitch, the tournament’s legacy may ultimately be defined by what happened away from it. That is the broad conclusion of a wide-ranging assessment published by The Guardian, which describes the event as “good rather than great” on the field, with far less edifying goings-on in the background.
The Balogun Affair
The most contentious off-field story was what The Guardian calls the Balogun Affair — a situation in which FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly bent 64 years of precedent under political pressure to ensure a specific player could participate. The piece draws comparisons to earlier decisions made around Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, suggesting a pattern in which commercial and political considerations override sporting rules. Whether this stiffens opposition to Infantino’s leadership or simply becomes accepted practice remains to be seen, but it has already drawn criticism from British and American politicians alike.
Fans Priced Out
Ticket pricing was another sore point. The Guardian argues that the World Cup has effectively ceased to be a mass-participation event and is now firmly a luxury product, with affordable tickets for ordinary football supporters in short supply. This is a concern worth flagging for UK fans already planning ahead — head to our World Cup 2026 hub and live standings for the latest information as qualification for the next cycle gets under way.
Host City Controversies
Beyond the football, the human and environmental costs of hosting such a vast tournament have come under scrutiny. In the United States and Canada, reports emerged of homeless people being forcibly cleared from streets ahead of matches, with some losing personal possessions, ID and medication. In Mexico, there has been an outcry over water extraction and environmental damage tied to World Cup infrastructure projects.
The Football Itself
On the pitch, the early rounds delivered some memorable matches — Brazil v Japan, England v Mexico and Norway v Brazil among the standouts — though the quarter-finals were described as underwhelming. Argentina’s semi-final victory over England was gripping, featuring a collapse that will be debated for years. The final, however, was reportedly a disappointing affair, with Argentina ultimately lifting the trophy.
With Infantino now reportedly eyeing an expansion to 64 teams for a future edition, the debate over what the World Cup is actually for — and who it serves — looks set to continue well beyond the final whistle in New Jersey.