The 2026 FIFA World Cup

 The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already creating debate before the tournament begins. It will be the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and millions of visitors. Supporters say the event will bring tourism, jobs, and excitement to North America. However, critics argue that there are serious problems connected to the tournament. Human rights groups are worried about discrimination, high security measures, and immigration policies in the United States. Some fans fear that strict visa rules could stop supporters from entering the country. Others are concerned about the rising prices of hotels, transport, and match tickets.

Environmental groups are also criticizing the tournament. Because the matches will take place across three large countries, teams and fans will need to travel long distances by plane. Experts say this could create a huge carbon footprint. In Mexico, some local residents are worried about public money being spent on stadiums and infrastructure instead of schools, hospitals, or housing. In Canada and the United States, there are concerns about corporate influence and whether ordinary football fans will be able to afford tickets. Despite the controversies, many people are still excited and believe the World Cup could unite different cultures and create unforgettable moments.

1. CONTROVERSIES: How serious are these problems in international sports? Complete the table.

IssueHow Serious?Possible Solutions
Racism
Expensive Tickets
Climate Change
Corruption
Discrimination
Violence
Nationalism
Corporate Greed

2. VOCABULARY

Paragraph 1

1. debatea.People who support a team or event
2. supportersb.Rules about entering a country
3. criticsc.A discussion with different opinions
4. discriminationd.People who strongly disagree with something
5. visa rulese.Unfair treatment of people
6. rising pricesf.Increasing costs
7. tournamentg.A large sports competition

Paragraph 2

8. environmentalh.The effect of pollution on the planet
9. carbon footprinti.Basic systems like roads and transport
10. infrastructurej.Connected to nature and the environment
11. corporate influencek.Strong effect from large companies
12. affordl.People who live in an area
13. residentsm.Have enough money to pay for
14. unforgettablen.Very special and impossible to forget

3. SYNONYM MATCH

1. debatea. expensive
2. criticsb. pollution impact
3. strictc. discussion
4. risingd. severe
5. afforde. increasing
6. hugef. enormous
7. carbon footprintg. opponents
8. ordinaryh. normal
9. costlyi. pay for
10. unforgettablej. memorable

4. TRUE OR FALSE

Write TRUE or FALSE.

  1. The 2026 World Cup will have fewer teams than before.
  2. Some people are worried about immigration policies.
  3. Environmental groups support the long-distance travel.
  4. Some residents think public money should go to hospitals and schools.
  5. Everyone agrees the World Cup will be positive.
  6. The tournament will take place in three countries.

5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What do you think about the 2026 World Cup?
  2. Should countries spend public money on sports events?
  3. Are football tickets too expensive today?
  4. Is climate change a serious problem for international sports?
  5. Should fans from every country have easy visa access?
  6. Can sports unite people from different cultures?
  7. What problems could visitors face during the World Cup?
  8. Which country do you think will organize the tournament best?
  9. What are the advantages of hosting the World Cup?
  10. What are the disadvantages?
  11. Should FIFA reduce air travel during tournaments?
  12. What would make the World Cup more fair for fans?
  13. Do large companies have too much power in football?
  14. What three adjectives best describe modern football?
  15. Would you like to attend a World Cup match? Why?

6. ROLE PLAY

Role Play 1

Student A:

You are a football fan who is very excited about the World Cup. Explain why the tournament is good for tourism, culture, and business.

Student B:

You are an environmental activist. Explain why the World Cup could damage the environment.

Role Play 2

Student A:

You are a government official in Mexico. Defend the public spending on stadiums and transport.

Student B:

You are a local resident. Explain why the money should go to healthcare and education instead.

Role Play 3

Student A:

You are a FIFA representative. Explain why the 2026 World Cup will be historic and positive.

Student B:

You are a journalist asking difficult questions about ticket prices, visas, and discrimination.

7. SPEAKING ACTIVITY

Agree or Disagree?

Discuss these statements with a partner.

  • “The World Cup is more about money than sport.”
  • “International sports events help countries.”
  • “Fans should boycott tournaments with controversies.”
  • “Football can change society.”
  • “Climate change should be more important than sports.”

8. WRITING

Write 120–150 words on ONE topic:

  1. “The biggest problem facing modern football.”
  2. “Why the World Cup is good for society.”
  3. “Should governments spend money on sporting events?”

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