World Cup 26 arrives this summer. The big question being asked is ‘will everything work out?
Those who host events of any type know so well the worries and stress that accompany the planning. The ache in the pit of your stomach worrying that at any moment something unwanted is about to throw shade on the proceedings.
Will everything be OK? There is a lot going on in the world as I write this. The ultimate goal is that, once the first kickoff happens in Mexico City on June 11, everyone’s various concerns go away and successfully allow fans to focus on the teams, athletes, colorful fans and 103 amazing games to come?
There are those who are deeply concerned that the world’s wars, oil economies, human rights and social media options will detract from the matches that are taking place in the 16 stadiums across North America that are hosting.
I see three major World Cup issues that are creating tension. 
Security has to be one. Political unrest across the world is another. Thirdly, have you seen ticket prices?
Tickets are exorbitantly priced and are virtually impossible to find. Apparently hundreds of millions want tickets. History tells us that people will travel here before beginning their search for tickets. Could end up being thousands of unhappy fans who will get shut out or run out of money.
Look for security to be very visible (and costly). This one is significant and undoubtedly painful for cities, stadium operators and local/state/federal police departments. I read that host cities were facing combined budget shortfalls of more than half a billion dollars.
This has led to concerns about safety, not to mention congestion forecast for those trying to enter and exit venues. A lack of proper security also increases the risk of terrorist attacks, fan dissatisfaction and budget overruns … even after the games have started. By the time certain world leaders announce they are attending the July 19 final at New Jersey’s Meadowlands, budgets and nerves will be frayed.
Third and finally, the geopolitical landscape has shifted considerably since FIFA awarded North America the Cup in 2018 in Moscow. We’ve stumbled through a horrific pandemic, and few can dispute that diplomatic relations between the three host countries are arguably at an all-time low. There’s also conflict raging in the Middle East and, as this column was written, gas/oil prices were bothering almost everyone.
These environmental issues may well affect fan experiences and invite civil unrest, opportunities for protest and punitive measures from various authorities. It is my hope that “sport” and the “power of sport” moves fans and industry executives past their current concerns.
Still, behind the scenes, there are more than a few planners with uneasy stomachs.
