Uneasy neighbours: Can three World Cup hosts put differences aside for a month?

Article excerpt

The United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a logistical feat that demands cooperation between three countries whose relations have grown strained. Trade disputes, migration tensions, and diplomatic friction have defined their recent interactions, yet the tournament requires unprecedented coordination across borders, from stadium scheduling to security protocols. Soccer officials express cautious optimism that the shared goal of staging a successful event might temporarily override geopolitical friction. The three nations have successfully collaborated on major sporting events before, though never under such fraught circumstances. Success depends on whether governments and sports bodies can compartmentalize their disagreements for the month-long competition.