After more than three decades since the United States last welcomed the FIFA World Cup, the world’s most-watched sporting spectacle is returning to North American soil this summer, co-hosted jointly by the US, Canada and Mexico. As the kickoff draws near, organizers and local communities are navigating a range of pre-tournament challenges, from lingering geopolitical tensions and widespread frustration over strict visa rules to sticker shock from record-high ticket prices. At the top of many minds remains one pressing question: is the United States truly prepared to shoulder the pressure of co-hosting an event of this unprecedented scale?
‘Gridlock alert days’ and a race for tickets as US prepares to host World Cup
