PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

SHABAB CHOWDHURY

As the curtain rises on the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight, the United States appears to be competing for an altogether different title -- one of the most inhospitable hosts in the tournament’s history.

Its hardline immigration and border-control policies stand in direct contradiction to FIFA’s long-promoted ideals of inclusivity, anti-discrimination and “football for all”.

This edition, the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 48 nations and three co-hosts -- the United States, Mexico and Canada -- was billed as the most inclusive tournament in history. Instead, it risks being remembered for the barriers that have prevented officials, journalists, support staff and fans from fully participating in football’s greatest spectacle.

While Mexico and Canada have embraced the spirit of a global gathering united by sport, the United States -- host of 78 matches, by far the most among the three nations -- has generated controversy through policies that have left several participating countries feeling unwelcome.

The contrast was laid bare in a video that circulated on social media on Tuesday. Senegal’s squad, arriving in the United States, was met with aggressive frisking on the tarmac and rigorous airport checks. In Mexico, meanwhile, Spain’s players received a festive welcome in Puebla, greeted by mariachis, sombreros and cheering fans.

And so, the World Cup begins

KHALID HOSSAIN

Football’s ultimate prize takes centre stage across North America as the FIFA World Cup 2026 bursts into action tonight.

The much-awaited quadrennial tournament opens with a touch of nostalgia as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium at 1:00 am Friday (Bangladesh time), a captivating repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Mexico will hope to recreate the magic of past hosting campaigns, having famously reached the quarterfinals in both 1970 and 1986.

The opening-day double-header concludes with South Korea facing Czechia at the Estadio Guadalajara at 8:00 am.

This expanded 48-team tournament features 104 matches across 39 days in the United States, Mexico and Canada. For fans in Bangladesh, following the action will require true dedication.

The vast geography of the host nations means kick-off times will be notoriously gruelling in this part of the world, with matches stretching from midnight well into the early hours.

Adding another layer of intrigue, the unforgiving North American summer heat and humidity are expected to have a major influence, particularly during the group stage. Warm-up fixtures have already offered a glimpse of those challenges, with Spain held by Iraq and France suffering a surprise defeat to Ivory Coast.

Yet a lack of sleep is unlikely to dampen enthusiasm in Bangladesh, where World Cup fever has long transcended geography. Once again, the country will be sharply divided into its traditional camps of Argentina and Brazil supporters.

Defending champions Argentina face the notoriously difficult task of retaining their title, a feat untouched since 1962 when Brazil

As anticipation builds ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, national flags of participating countries line Dhaka-Aricha highway in Aminbazar on the outskirts of the capital. Although Bangladesh are not among the 48 teams competing in the tournament, football fever has already gripped local fans, many of whom passionately support nations from around the world. The World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will kick off tonight with the match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

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