In 2026, Mexico, the United States, and Canada will jointly host the FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the tournament will be distributed across three countries. However, the allocation of matches has sparked debate and feelings of disenfranchisement in Mexico, where football holds deep cultural significance.

Of the 104 matches, the United States will host 78 games, while Mexico is slated to host only 13, and Canada the remaining 10. This distribution has been perceived by many Mexican fans and commentators as a downgrade, particularly given Mexico’s historic role in global football and its previous status as a prominent host nation. Mexico previously hosted the World Cup twice, in 1970 and 1986—both tournaments widely regarded as iconic. Yet, Mexico’s comparatively modest share of matches in 2026 has left some questioning the decision, especially considering the longstanding and complex relationship between the two North American neighbors.

The backdrop to this sporting arrangement includes a series of political and economic tensions between the United States and Mexico, further complicating the atmosphere surrounding the co-hosting duties. The U.S. under the Trump administration pursued tariffs and demanded the extradition of several Mexican politicians accused of colluding with drug cartels, reigniting historical frictions. Despite these tensions, Mexico’s leaders, including Mexico City’s left-leaning mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, have sought to maintain a working relationship with their U.S. counterparts.

Football itself has mirrored this dynamic. Historically, Mexico has held the upper hand over the United States in the sport, yet recent decades have seen a shift. The U.S. men’s game has improved markedly, and the country dominates women’s football. Mexican immigrants in the United States, numbering approximately 40 million, have played a significant role in growing soccer’s popularity stateside, contributing to vibrant fan support and strong commercial markets.

This diaspora has influenced the Mexican Football Federation’s approach, with roughly two-thirds of the national team’s friendly matches now held in the U.S. This strategy leverages the economic benefits of Mexican-American supporters but has been met with dissatisfaction within Mexico, where fans feel disconnected from their own team. The national team’s matches on home soil sometimes draw criticism and, in some cases, even boos, highlighting a sense of alienation among the domestic fanbase.

The commercial dimensions of the 2026 World Cup reflect broader trends in sports and international relations. The bid for hosting rights involved controversies, including allegations of bribery in previous tournaments awarded to Russia and Qatar. The U.S. bid’s success was partly intended to foster regional unity and expand the commercial reach of football across North America. Nonetheless, Mexico’s relatively limited match allotment underscores an unusual dynamic wherein one co-host assumes a dominant role while the others play supporting parts.

Despite challenges, football remains a potent cultural force in the region. The tournament’s kickoff featured a 2-0 victory for Mexico over South Africa, symbolizing the enduring emotional connection fans retain with the sport. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the event continues to represent a platform for shared identity, transcending political divides and economic inequalities. At the same time, the complexities of hosting highlight ongoing negotiations of power, influence, and cultural pride across the continent.