WC ARA

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the largest sporting events ever organized. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries together: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will also be the first World Cup with 48 teams, making it the biggest edition in FIFA’s history.

Football is often called “the people’s sport” because it is easy to access. Unlike many sports, it needs very little equipment and can be played almost anywhere. Every four years, billions of people watch the World Cup, making it one of the most powerful global events.

Hosting the tournament can bring major economic benefits. Governments often spend large amounts of money on infrastructure, including airports, roads, public transport, hotels, and stadiums. Supporters say these projects create jobs, increase tourism, boost economic growth, and improve a country’s international image.

Spain’s experience shows how sporting events can change cities. After hosting the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona improved transport systems, public spaces, beaches, and sports facilities. Many experts see the Olympics as a successful example of long-term urban change.

However, big sporting events often create controversy. Critics say governments spend too much public money while healthcare, education, and housing need more funding. Environmental groups also worry about carbon emissions, construction, and long-term sustainability.

The 2026 World Cup also faces extra challenges because it will be held in three countries. Managing transport, security, borders, and crowds will require very strong international cooperation.

One controversial issue is visa restrictions and entry rules. Although millions of fans are expected to travel, some journalists, referees, staff, and supporters have reported problems getting permission to enter the United States. Critics say these rules go against the international spirit of the World Cup, while governments say security and immigration laws are necessary.

Other problems have also appeared. Many fans have been victims of ticket scams. Authorities in Mexico warned supporters about fake websites and fraudulent travel packages. Some fans lost hundreds or even thousands of euros after buying fake tickets. Officials advised buying only from FIFA’s official channels.

There were also reports of crime against visitors. In Mexico City, two fans were robbed at gunpoint while travelling from the airport to their hotel. The thieves stole passports, money, and valuables. Police increased security in tourist areas and around stadiums.

Security problems also appeared around some matches. Before the opening game in Mexico City, clashes broke out outside the stadium between ticketless fans and protesters. Several people were arrested after objects were thrown at police.

One widely shared incident involved fans from Argentina and Algeria. Videos of a large fight went viral on social media. The clash happened in New York before the teams played each other, and police intervened. No serious injuries were reported, but it showed how tension between rival fans can sometimes lead to violence.

As the tournament approaches, issues like mobility, national control, inclusion, and international cooperation continue to attract global attention.

In conclusion, the World Cup shows both the opportunities and challenges of globalization. It can unite people from different cultures, but it also exposes political, economic, environmental, and security problems. The next World Cup will take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. FIFA has confirmed Barcelona as a host city for 2030, with matches at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The city also has a second stadium, the RCDE Stadium. Camp Nou, with a capacity of around 105,000 after renovation, is a strong candidate to host either a semi-final or the final. Barcelona’s government and FC Barcelona are actively trying to bring the final to the city.

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1. READING COMPREHENSION

1. Why is football considered the world’s most popular sport?
2. What makes the World Cup different from other sports events?
3. Should governments spend public money on sports events? Why / why not?
4. What problems can happen when millions of people travel internationally?
5. Should sports events stay separate from politics?

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2. WORLD CUP CHALLENGES

Complete the table.

Challenge	Impact	Possible Solution
Security threats
Public spending
Environmental concerns
Tourism pressure
Transport systems
Housing shortages
Visa restrictions
Border controls
Media access
International cooperation

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3. HOST COUNTRIES ANALYSIS

In 2030, the next World Cup will be hosted by these countries. What challenges could each country face?

Country	Advantages	Disadvantages	Biggest Challenges
Spain
Morocco
Portugal

Also, Barcelona may host the final at Camp Nou. What challenges could the city face?

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4. VOCABULARY MATCH

Words — Definitions accreditation — e. How easy something is to reach or use controversy — g. Ability to move or travel freely authority — a. Public disagreement or strong debate vetting — h. Formal promise or assurance accessibility — f. When an application is refused denial — c. Power or official control to make decisions mobility — b. Official permission to take part in an event guarantee — d. Careful background check before approval PART B screening — f. Money earned from an activity admission — h. Equal access and involvement for everyone sovereignty — d. Taking part in something participation — a. Careful checking or examination uncertainty — g. Public image of a person or country revenue — b. Permission to enter a country or place reputation — e. Situation where the future is unclear inclusiveness — c. A country’s right to govern itself SYNONYM MATCH infrastructure — well being welfare — facilities controversy — image collective memory — encourage influence — well known stimulate — shared history displacement — close examination prominent — power scrutiny —relocation reputation — public disagreement

6. Barcelona Hosts the World Cup Finals

In four years, Barcelona may host several World Cup matches, including semi-finals and possibly the final. Hundreds of thousands of fans will arrive from around the world. As residents, you must discuss the challenges and opportunities this event creates.

Scenario 1: Public Transport Chaos

The metro and buses are extremely crowded on match days. It usually takes 30 minutes to get to work, but now it takes over 90 minutes.

Discussion Questions

• How would this affect your daily life?
• What other transport options could you use?
• Would you work from home?
• Should the city create special routes for residents?

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Scenario 2: Noise and Crowds Near Your Home

You live near the stadium. Every night, thousands of fans celebrate in the streets until 2:00 a.m.

Discussion Questions

• How would you feel?
• How could residents reduce the problem?
• Should celebrations stop after midnight?
• Would you stay somewhere else temporarily?

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Scenario 3: Prices Increase Everywhere

Restaurants, taxis, and supermarkets increase prices. Rent also becomes more expensive.

Discussion Questions

• How would this affect residents?
• Should the government control prices?
• How could people save money?
• Is this fair or unfair?

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Scenario 4: Renting Out a Spare Room

You can rent a room for €150 per night during the tournament.

Discussion Questions

• Would you rent it out?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• How much money could you earn?
• What rules would you set?

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Scenario 5: Starting a Small Food Business

You sell food or drinks near fan zones.

Discussion Questions

• What would sell best?
• How much would you charge?
• What permits do you need?
• Is this a good idea?

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Scenario 6: Offering Services to Tourists

You help tourists as a guide, translator, or driver.

Discussion Questions

• Which job is best paid?
• What skills do you need?
• How much would you charge?
• Full-time or part-time?

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Final Task

• Which problem is most serious for residents?
• Which opportunity makes the most money?
• Would you feel excited or worried? Why?

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7. SCENARIOS — WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

1. The Denied Journalist

Your visa is refused one week before the tournament.

• What do you do?
• Should FIFA intervene?
• Who is responsible?

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2. The Seven-Hour Airport Interview

You are questioned for seven hours on arrival.

• Is this fair?
• How should officials treat visitors?
• Does it change your opinion of the country?

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3. The Boycotting Team

A team refuses to play after a staff member is denied entry.

• Should they play?
• Is the boycott justified?
• What would you do as coach?

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4. The Security Alert

There is a possible security threat.

• Should checks become stricter?
• How much risk is acceptable?
• Should the public be informed?

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5. The Volunteer Shortage

Many volunteers cannot get visas.

• What is the impact?
• Should local volunteers replace them?
• Who is responsible?

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6. The Empty Stadium

Many matches are half empty.

• How does this affect the atmosphere?
• Who loses money?
• Does it harm the World Cup?

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7. The Special World Cup Visa

A fast-track visa is created for participants.

• Is this fair?
• Should sports get special treatment?
• Are there risks?

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8. The Viral Video

A video criticizing visa policy gets 50 million views.

• How should officials respond?
• Does reputation matter?
• Can social media change policy?

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8. DISCUSSION: BARCELONA'S LEGACY

1. How did the 1992 Olympics change Barcelona? Could 2030 be similar?
2. What benefits did the city gain?
3. What problems appeared later?
4. Was it worth the cost?
5. What is more important: economic growth or protecting communities?

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9. FILL IN THE BLANKS

Word Box:
reputation • infrastructure • accessibility • displacement • rights • coordination • political • impact • argue • attention • accreditation • sovereignty • mobility • vetting • participation

1. Governments invest in __________ projects.
2. Critics __________ that money should be used elsewhere.
3. The tournament needs strong international __________.
4. Environmental __________ is a key issue.
5. Some projects caused __________ of residents.
6. Worker __________ are often discussed.
7. Sports events can be used for __________ reasons.
8. The World Cup receives global media __________.
9. Football’s __________ makes it popular.
10. Good results improve national __________.
11. FIFA gave official __________ to the journalist.
12. Governments say __________ helps control borders.
13. International __________ allows easier travel.
14. Background __________ was required.
15. Fan __________ is important for atmosphere.