21/07/2026
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21/07/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, July 21: The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of football’s biggest tournament, has come to an end with Spain celebrating the title and the remaining contenders left to reflect on what might have been. Yet, beyond the identity of the champion, the lasting memory of this World Cup may be the controversies and challenges that followed it from the opening match to the final whistle.
The issues started even before the tournament kicked off, with several teams raising concerns over accommodation standards and the quality of services. Reports of problems at some team bases, including unusual incidents involving wildlife, added to the criticism, while questions were also raised about certain venues. The weather created further difficulties, as extreme heat, storms, heavy rain and lightning affected match preparations and tested players’ fitness.
The first expanded edition featuring 48 teams also brought a new level of debate both on and off the field. The tournament was marked by several disputes, most notably allegations targeting FIFA and match officials over claims of favourable treatment towards Argentina, particularly after the controversial Egypt-Argentina encounter. The fallout sparked intense criticism and renewed discussions about the consistency and transparency of officiating decisions.
The competition was also affected by visa-related issues in the United States, with some players, staff members and referees reportedly facing delays in reaching the tournament venues. Such complications created unwanted distractions for an event expected to represent the highest standards of global football.
For these reasons, this edition can arguably be described as the “unusual World Cup” — not simply because of the number of challenges, but because of several decisions that fuelled further debate. Among the most controversial was FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the round-of-16 match against Belgium. The decision triggered strong reactions, especially in Europe, with some calling for an investigation and others questioning the future of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The comparison with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is inevitable. Doha delivered a tournament widely praised for its organisation, infrastructure, security, accessibility and professionalism. Teams, supporters and international media left Qatar with overwhelmingly positive impressions of a competition that set a high standard for future World Cups.
While the 2026 World Cup succeeded in producing a champion and unforgettable moments on the pitch, the controversies surrounding it often dominated the headlines. It will be remembered as a unique tournament — but perhaps not entirely for the reasons football fans would have wanted.
By Khaled Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
