World Cup Preparations Enter Final Month Across North America
MEXICO CITY — Preparations for the FIFA World Cup are entering their final month, with host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico working to complete stadium upgrades, finalize security plans and monitor player availability before squads are selected.
The tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, will be the first World Cup with 48 teams and will be played in 16 cities across the three countries. The expanded format has added pressure on organizers as venues, airports and public safety agencies move through the final phase of planning.
In Miami, crews at Hard Rock Stadium are working on a tight timeline to remove temporary infrastructure used for this month’s Formula One Grand Prix and convert the complex to meet FIFA standards. In New Jersey, workers are installing a temporary grass surface over the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium.
Renovations are also continuing at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which is scheduled to host the opening match on June 11. The project has faced construction delays and legal complications, including a dispute involving luxury box access rights, though organizers have continued to say the stadium will be ready.
Mexico City International Airport is also undergoing redevelopment ahead of the tournament. Officials said last month that the work was about 70% complete.
Ticket pricing has become another major issue. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended prices after seats for the final in New Jersey appeared on FIFA’s resale platform for more than $2 million.
“If somebody buys a ticket for the final for two million dollars, I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience,” Infantino told reporters earlier this month.
Infantino said the resale listings did not reflect original ticket prices and argued that FIFA’s pricing was in line with other major sporting events in the United States. FIFA has not released a recent update on overall ticket sales, though additional batches were made available in April and May through last-minute sales phases. Secondary market data shows tickets remain available for many matches.
Security preparations have also intensified across the host countries. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in March that nearly 100,000 security personnel would be deployed across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey during the tournament, with increased patrols around airports, hotels and fan zones.
Canada’s public safety ministry announced additional funding in April for World Cup security planning, including policing, border management and emergency coordination in host cities. The ministry said up to 145 million Canadian dollars, or about $105 million, would be available to support safety operations during the tournament.
In the United States, federal agencies are coordinating preparations through a White House task force created for the World Cup.
Iran’s participation has also drawn attention amid questions over entry requirements for some players and officials. Iran’s football federation has confirmed the country will compete and said it has asked the United States, Canada and Mexico to guarantee visas, security and respectful treatment for Iranian players, officials and national symbols.
Iranian officials have also sought assurances that players and staff who completed mandatory military service with the Revolutionary Guard will be allowed to enter the host countries without difficulty. Infantino has previously said Iran would play in the tournament as scheduled.
Iran has been drawn in Group G and is scheduled to open against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. It will then face Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Teams are also watching the fitness of key players ahead of FIFA’s June 2 deadline for final World Cup squads. Federations must first submit preliminary lists of 35 to 55 players, including four goalkeepers, before naming final squads of 23 to 26 players.
Several high-profile players have already been ruled out. Brazil defender Eder Militao and forward Rodrygo will miss the tournament with knee injuries, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains uncertain because of a recurring hamstring problem.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, is still trying to regain full fitness after injuries that have kept him out of the national team since October 2023. France forward Hugo Ekitike and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons will also miss the tournament with Achilles and knee injuries, respectively.
Other stars are racing to be fit. Spain winger Lamine Yamal and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah are dealing with hamstring injuries but are expected to be ready, while France striker Kylian Mbappe has returned to training after a muscle injury. (Source: IANS)
