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1. Ticket prices
This World Cup has already been no stranger to controversy, and perhaps the biggest so far is the cost associated with attending it.
Ticket prices for the matches have soared to new heights, deterring many fans from watching their teams play across North America.
2. Iran’s participation
Another major storyline in the buildup to this year’s World Cup has been the situation in Iran, and how it might impact the nation’s participation at the tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of the war beginning, there was rhetoric from Iran that there could be no way in which its players could safely travel and participate in the games.
3. Safety concerns
An ICE vehicle and police officer are seen near an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, in October.
An ICE vehicle and police officer are seen near an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, in October. Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images
Before we get to the soccer itself, there have also been concerns around safety at this year’s World Cup, based on the political environments across the host nations.
For example, after seeing high-profile ICE raids and learning that the US government is considering vetting visitor social media activity, some fans have decided traveling to the World Cup was not worth it.
Other fans may not even have the choice, with Trump’s travel ban preventing 39 nations – mostly non-White, African or Muslim-majority countries – from even visiting the country during the World Cup.
These include total bans for people from Haiti and Iran, and partial restrictions for Senegal and Ivory Cost. Players, staff and officials from these competing nations will still be allowed access, though.
4. Debutants
But there is plenty to look forward to, especially on the pitch.
It’s going to be a big month for the teams who are all busy preparing for action to get underway in North America, but perhaps more so for the four nations making their World Cup debuts.
Jordan, Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan will also be making their first appearance at the competition, an achievement made easier by the decision to extend this year’s World Cup to 48 teams for the first time.
5. Players to watch
A person shows newly printed, collectible World Cup cards at the Panini Group factory in Modena, Italy, on April 28.
A person shows newly printed, collectible World Cup cards at the Panini Group factory in Modena, Italy, on April 28. Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images
Many of the major domestic soccer leagues are still ongoing, meaning some of the world’s top players are still battling to win silverware for their clubs.
In truth, most of the best players heading to the World Cup ply their trade in Europe, with the Champions League final on May 30 concluding the European club season.
And while that’s good news for soccer fans excited to watch more dramatic action, it does mean some players still run the risk of picking up an injury ahead of the World Cup.
Chief among those current concerns is Spain’s winger Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old is one of the best players on the planet and many would have been excited to see the youngster feature in what would be his first World Cup.
But there are now fears he may not be fit to start for Spain, after the Barcelona star sustained a hamstring injury last month while playing for his club. He’s not expected to play again this season, but there are hopes he’ll recover in time for the World Cup in June.
This World Cup has already been no stranger to controversy, and perhaps the biggest so far is the cost associated with attending it.
Ticket prices for the matches have soared to new heights, deterring many fans from watching their teams play across North America.
2. Iran’s participation
Another major storyline in the buildup to this year’s World Cup has been the situation in Iran, and how it might impact the nation’s participation at the tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of the war beginning, there was rhetoric from Iran that there could be no way in which its players could safely travel and participate in the games.
3. Safety concerns
An ICE vehicle and police officer are seen near an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, in October.
An ICE vehicle and police officer are seen near an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, in October. Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images
Before we get to the soccer itself, there have also been concerns around safety at this year’s World Cup, based on the political environments across the host nations.
For example, after seeing high-profile ICE raids and learning that the US government is considering vetting visitor social media activity, some fans have decided traveling to the World Cup was not worth it.
Other fans may not even have the choice, with Trump’s travel ban preventing 39 nations – mostly non-White, African or Muslim-majority countries – from even visiting the country during the World Cup.
These include total bans for people from Haiti and Iran, and partial restrictions for Senegal and Ivory Cost. Players, staff and officials from these competing nations will still be allowed access, though.
4. Debutants
But there is plenty to look forward to, especially on the pitch.
It’s going to be a big month for the teams who are all busy preparing for action to get underway in North America, but perhaps more so for the four nations making their World Cup debuts.
Jordan, Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan will also be making their first appearance at the competition, an achievement made easier by the decision to extend this year’s World Cup to 48 teams for the first time.
5. Players to watch
A person shows newly printed, collectible World Cup cards at the Panini Group factory in Modena, Italy, on April 28.
A person shows newly printed, collectible World Cup cards at the Panini Group factory in Modena, Italy, on April 28. Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images
Many of the major domestic soccer leagues are still ongoing, meaning some of the world’s top players are still battling to win silverware for their clubs.
In truth, most of the best players heading to the World Cup ply their trade in Europe, with the Champions League final on May 30 concluding the European club season.
And while that’s good news for soccer fans excited to watch more dramatic action, it does mean some players still run the risk of picking up an injury ahead of the World Cup.
Chief among those current concerns is Spain’s winger Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old is one of the best players on the planet and many would have been excited to see the youngster feature in what would be his first World Cup.
But there are now fears he may not be fit to start for Spain, after the Barcelona star sustained a hamstring injury last month while playing for his club. He’s not expected to play again this season, but there are hopes he’ll recover in time for the World Cup in June.
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