World Cup 2026: Your big questions answered | The Global Story

The Fifa 2026 World Cup kicks off this week.

Beginning Thursday, football – or soccer – matches, depending on your preference, will be played in the US, Mexico, and Canada, with a record 48 nations competing for the trophy.

However, the tournament has been beset by controversies over ticket prices, travel bans that affect fans and officials, and security concerns.

We answer questions from the audience about what to expect from this year’s World Cup, with BBC Sports football issues correspondent, Dale Johnson.

Both Sep Blatter and Michel Platini had their bans reduced – Blatter to six years and Platini to four. In terms of the Swiss court cases, they have both been acquitted – once in 2022 and then again when Swiss authorities prosecuted again and lost again in March 2025.

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
01:52 Is Fifa corrupt?
04:58 Why is it difficult to watch the World Cup in some countries?
06:53 Is Mexico safe for fans?
11:22 Will Iran be able to participate safely?
16:00 The myth of India in the 1950 World Cup
19:30 What impact will the travel bans have on the World Cup?
24:00 Who are the favourites to win the World Cup?