The FIFA World Cup is unfolding on two parallel tracks. While the expanded format has delivered a record-breaking goal glut and thrilling performances from global stars, severe organisational failures have overshadowed the spectacle. Immigration restrictions have barred journalists and supporters, ticket prices have sparked accusations of exploitation, and the Iranian squad faced punitive conditions throughout their campaign.
Goal records and star power
The on-field product has largely justified the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The group stage produced a mean of 2.99 goals per game, the highest scoring rate since 1958 if maintained through the knockouts. Superstars have delivered compelling narratives: Lionel Messi netted five goals in the group stage, while Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior each scored four.
Competitive balance has remained largely intact despite the larger field. Cape Verde topped their qualifying section, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo progressed through the playoffs and secured a notable victory against Uzbekistan. Ecuador stunned Germany, and Algeria’s dramatic clash with Austria provided late drama. Traditional powers Uruguay, Turkey and South Korea underperformed and exited early, though few genuine shocks occurred.
Visa restrictions and broken promises
Off-field issues have undermined FIFA’s claims of an inclusive tournament. Iranian players operated under severe constraints, forced to switch training camps and denied their full backroom staff while facing travel restrictions. Despite these hurdles, they progressed unbeaten from their group, falling only after a last-gasp Austrian goal eliminated them.
Immigration policies have prevented many from attending. Reports indicate the United States and Canada rejected more than 80 per cent of visa applications from certain countries. Senegal’s official photographer could not enter Canada, while the DRC’s most recognisable supporter, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, managed only one match in Mexico. Hundreds of Scotland supporters had their travel authorisations revoked at the last minute before matches in Boston.
Ticket pricing has drawn particular criticism. Transport costs and stadium necessities such as water have compounded affordability concerns, with critics arguing that decades of supporter culture have been sacrificed for rapid profit. The system now rewards financial capacity rather than loyalty, fundamentally altering the tournament’s accessibility.
Format questions and future expansion
The current structure has drawn scrutiny. Allowing the best third-placed teams to advance reduces jeopardy in group matches, while the preference for head-to-head results over goal difference to separate level sides has complicated preparations. Teams and supporters face uncertain waiting periods to confirm qualification status.
Further expansion to 64 teams appears increasingly probable. While this would place additional burdens on future hosts, it may prove preferable to the current compromised format. However, the immigration and ticketing precedents set here raise serious questions about Saudi Arabia’s 2034 hosting and whether global accessibility will continue to erode.
The football has provided memorable moments—the Scots in Boston, Colombians in Guadalajara and Dutch supporters in Kansas City have created vibrant atmospheres impossible in Qatar. Yet the structural problems persist beneath the surface, threatening the tournament’s foundational premise as a truly global celebration.