The Complexities of the 2026 World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin soon, but the journey to the grand day is filled with various dynamics, from the qualifying rounds to geopolitical situations. Dynamics are occurring on multiple fronts and seem to resonate with each other, draining the energy of football enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the public remains enthusiastic in anticipation of the World Cup through various digital channels or television screens to watch world-class football players compete.

What happened before this event took place, both in terms of sports competition and the dynamics surrounding it, has drawn intense public attention to the 2026 World Cup with the complexity of the issues surrounding it.

An interesting development in the journey towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 has already occurred before the tournament begins. During the qualification round, many surprises showcased the changing landscape of world football. Countries that were previously seldom considered, such as Jordan and Uzbekistan, successfully qualified for the finals for the first time. Additionally, Curacao and Cape Verde, which also qualified, symbolize the emergence of new powers outside the traditional football map.

On the other hand, the Indonesian national team has fielded diaspora players, introducing a new face to national football. The presence of these diaspora players not only generates optimism but also shapes a new imagination about national identity. Furthermore, the role of social media, which massively represents these players, enhances the emotional connection between the public and the diaspora players.

The naturalization process is no longer viewed merely as a technical strategy, but rather as a symbol of new hope for a community that has long yearned for Indonesia's presence on the world football stage. This was answered by creating a new history by advancing to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualification in the Asian zone, with dramatic elements particularly during the coaching transition from Shin Tae-yong to Patrick Kluivert.

The phenomenon of the national team during the qualification for the 2026 World Cup is marked by the enthusiasm of spectators at the main stadium, Gelora Bung Karno. The average number of spectators reaches around 60,000 for each match. However, many in the community hope that more national players competing in the local league will be fielded, as it will be felt in terms of development and regeneration.

This year's World Cup is participated by 48 countries divided into 12 groups, marking the highest number of participants and groups since the event began in 1930. The tournament is held in three countries, namely the United States, Mexico, and Canada, making this competition even more universal and festive to watch.

However, many complexities arise in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, ranging from the war against drug cartels in Mexico to the Middle Eastern conflict triggered by the United States' attack on Iran, which impacts global geopolitics. Amid this euphoria, the host countries face complex issues. As joint organizers, they must not only prepare stadiums and infrastructure but also confront increasingly significant social, economic, geopolitical, and security challenges.

In Mexico, security issues have become a primary concern. The war against drug cartels and its resistance has left social stability problems that are not yet fully resolved. Unforeseen security threats may arise, but the government is prepared by deploying hundreds of thousands of its personnel at every critical point in the cities across the country. This event serves as a platform to stake the country's image in the eyes of the world. The government and organizers aim to present a safe face of Mexico; however, global attention to crime issues makes it difficult to completely eliminate this complexity from the narrative of the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the United States faces a highly complex challenge. As the host of the event and with most of the matches taking place in its territory, the United States is overshadowed by various internal issues, ranging from immigration, expensive accommodations, to the exorbitant prices of match tickets that have drawn numerous complaints. Recent developments show no increase in hotel occupancy, creating an uncertain situation for the tourism industry there.

The complexity is further felt as the global geopolitical situation colors the atmosphere of the World Cup. The tension between the US and Iran has sparked debates regarding the security of the Iranian national team. There were rumors about relocating Iran's matches to Mexico due to security concerns and visa issues. However, Iran's group stage matches, which are grouped with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in Group G, will still be held in the US.

Although the challenges are not as significant as those faced by Mexico and the United States, Canada also has issues related to financing and the readiness of the host city infrastructure. The organization in two cities, namely Toronto and Vancouver, has sparked a debate regarding the size of the budget that must be allocated, with rising preparation costs, transportation issues, and the economic impact on local communities being part of the public discussion leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

The various commotion does not overshadow the excitement of the opening event, which will be held simultaneously in three host countries featuring celebrities such as Lisa from Blackpink, Katy Perry, Michael Bublé, and other top artists. This reflects how the face of the World Cup increasingly merges with the global entertainment industry, and everything will be broadcast live through various media channels, both conventional and digital.

The dynamics leading up to the 2026 World Cup demonstrate that football is not merely a game, but a space where various complexities converge. The drama of qualification, issues of security and immigration, as well as the dynamics of global economic geopolitics. This seems to indicate that the World Cup is increasingly filled with a multitude of intertwined issues such as social, political, economic, and cultural matters.

In Sut Jhally's view (1989), modern sports operate through the production of emotions, hopes, and collective imaginations that are continuously circulated by the media. Therefore, behind the excitement and optimism displayed, there are various social, economic, and political realities that also shape the face of the World Cup. At this point, football is no longer just about winning and losing on the field, but about how today's world is being seen, imagined, and felt together through a game.

Meistra Budiasa, Sports Communications Observer; Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, August 17, 1945 University, Jakarta