The Guardian view on the men’s World Cup: the build-up was unedifying, but now the football takes over | Editorial
Summary
The men’s World Cup is starting in Canada, the United States, and Mexico with 48 teams playing 104 matches in 16 venues. Despite political issues and high ticket prices, the tournament promises exciting football and some teams making their first appearances.Key Facts
- The tournament runs from early June to 19 July across three countries and four time zones.
- 48 national teams will compete in 104 matches at 16 stadiums.
- The U.S. is the only host country currently at war with a participating nation, Iran, which has had visa problems.
- Some referees and journalists from certain countries were refused visas to enter the U.S. for the tournament.
- Ticket prices for some matches are very high, with the cheapest tickets for the U.S. opening game costing $1,120.
- Four teams—Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—are making their first World Cup appearances.
- The tournament aims to bring people together, despite political tensions and commercial challenges.
- The 2022 final between Argentina and France was watched by about 1.5 billion people, showing the World Cup’s massive global reach.
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