WC

 The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events in history. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will also be the first World Cup with 48 teams instead of 32, making it the largest tournament ever.

Football is the most popular sport in the world. Every four years, billions of people watch the World Cup. National teams spend years trying to qualify for the competition. For many countries, success at the World Cup becomes part of their national identity and history. Fans often remember famous matches and victories for many years.

Football is often called "the people's sport" because of its accessibility. Unlike some sports, football does not require expensive equipment or special facilities. People can play almost anywhere with a ball and some open space. Because of this, football has become deeply connected to communities around the world and is enjoyed by people from many different backgrounds.

Hosting the World Cup can bring important benefits. Countries often spend money on airports, roads, public transport, hotels, and other infrastructure. Supporters believe these projects create jobs, help the economy grow, and attract tourists. A successful World Cup can also improve a country's international reputation and encourage more people to visit in the future.

However, the World Cup can also create controversy. Some people argue that governments spend too much public money on stadiums and large projects. They believe the money could be used for schools, hospitals, or housing instead. Others worry that the costs may be higher than the benefits.

The 2026 World Cup will also face several challenges. Security will be important because matches will take place in many cities across three countries. Organizing transport and border crossings will require strong cooperation between governments. Environmental groups are also concerned about the event's impact on the planet. Millions of fans will travel long distances, increasing pollution and raising questions about sustainability.

Despite these concerns, many experts believe the tournament could have a positive impact. It may strengthen relationships between the three host countries and encourage international communication. The World Cup will also receive a lot of public attention. Whether people remember it for the football or for its wider impact, the 2026 World Cup is expected to be one of the most important sporting events of the decade.

1. FOOTBALL & GLOBAL EVENTS

Students A strongly believe the World Cup brings more benefits than problems.

Students B strongly believe the World Cup costs too much money.

Change partners and discuss your views.

2. WORLD CUP CHALLENGES

What challenges do countries face when hosting major sporting events?

ChallengeImpactPossible Solution
Security

Public spending

Environmental concerns

Tourism

Transport

Housing

3. HOST COUNTRIES

Rank the host countries from most to least likely to benefit.

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • United States

Explain your ranking.

4. VOCABULARY

Part A

  1. history — a. Systems such as roads, airports, and public transport
  2. accessibility — b. Public disagreement about something
  3. connected — c. The opinion people have about someone or something
  4. infrastructure — d. Easy to use, reach, or take part in
  5. reputation — e. Linked closely to something
  6. controversy — f. Events and experiences from the past
  7. cooperation — g. To give reasons why you think something is true
  8. argue — h. Working together

Part B

  1. positive— i. The ability to continue without damaging the environment
  2. sustainability  — j. A good or helpful effect
  3. attention — k. The activity of sharing information
  4. communication — l. Interest that people give to something
  5. impact — m. Something good that helps people
  6. challenge — n. A strong effect on something
  7. benefit — o. A difficult situation or problem

5. SYNONYM MATCH

  1. history — a. effect
  2. accessibility — b. problem
  3. connected — c. advantage
  4. reputation — d. easy to access
  5. controversy — e. linked
  6. argue — f. image
  7. cooperation — g. disagreement
  8. sustainability — h. discuss
  9. benefit — i. working together
  10. impact — j. past

6. DISCUSSION – THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD CUP

Discuss which issue will have the biggest impact on future tournaments:

  • Environment
  • Public spending
  • Tourism
  • Security
  • Politics
  • Transport

7. QUESTIONS

  1. Why is the 2026 World Cup different from previous World Cups?
  2. Why is football called "the people's sport"?
  3. What benefits can a country receive from hosting the World Cup?
  4. Why do some people oppose hosting the tournament?
  5. Why are environmental groups concerned?
  6. How can the World Cup improve a country's reputation?
  7. Can sport improve relationships between countries?
  8. Should governments spend public money on major sporting events?
  9. Which host country do you think will benefit the most?
  10. Would you like your country to host the World Cup? Why or why not?

8. WORLD CUP BID MEETING

Student A: Finance Minister

Student B: Tourism Minister

Student C: Mayor

Student D: Citizen

Scenario

Your country is thinking about hosting a future World Cup.

Possible Advantages

  • More tourists
  • New transport systems
  • New jobs
  • Better international image
  • Economic growth

Possible Disadvantages

  • High costs
  • More public debt
  • Environmental concerns
  • Security problems
  • Pressure on local communities

Discussion Questions

  • Should the country host the World Cup?
  • Is it worth the cost?
  • What benefits would remain after the tournament?
  • What risks are most important?

9. CONVINCE THE GROUP

Student A supports hosting the World Cup.

Students B/C/D oppose the idea.

Student A must answer their concerns.

Scenario 1: Environmental Concerns

Problems:

  • More pollution
  • More flights
  • Construction projects

Your task:

Explain why the benefits are greater than the environmental costs.

Scenario 2: Public Spending

Problems:

  • Schools need money
  • Hospitals need money
  • Taxes may increase

Your task:

Explain why hosting the World Cup is still a good investment.

Scenario 3: Tourism Benefits

Problems:

  • Benefits may be temporary
  • Tourist numbers may be lower than expected

Your task:

Convince the group that tourism will help the country.

10. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

1. THE STADIUM COSTS TOO MUCH

A new stadium was supposed to cost €500 million.

The final cost is €1.5 billion.

→ Who is responsible?

→ Should the project continue?

→ How would people react?

2. EMPTY STADIUMS

After the World Cup, the stadiums are rarely used.

→ Was the money wasted?

→ What could the stadiums be used for?

3. SECURITY PROBLEMS

A security threat delays several matches.

→ What should the organizers do?

→ Is safety more important than the schedule?

4. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTESTS

Many people protest against the World Cup.

→ Do they have a good reason?

→ How should organizers respond?

5. TOURISM BOOM

Millions of visitors arrive during the tournament.

→ What are the benefits?

→ What problems could happen?

11. FILL IN THE BLANKS

  1. Football has a long __________ in many countries.
  2. The sport's __________ makes it popular around the world.
  3. Football is closely __________ to local communities.
  4. The government invested in roads and other __________.
  5. A successful tournament can improve a country's __________.
  6. The decision to host the event created a lot of __________.
  7. Some people __________ that the money should be spent elsewhere.
  8. The three countries will need strong __________.
  9. Environmental groups are concerned about __________.
  10. Experts believe the event will have a __________ effect.
  11. Good __________ between countries is important.
  12. The World Cup receives a lot of media __________.
  13. Tourism can bring an economic __________.
  14. The tournament may have a large __________ on the economy.
  15. Hosting the World Cup is a major __________.

12. FINAL DEBATE

Motion

"The FIFA World Cup brings more benefits than problems."

Team A

Agree

Team B

Disagree

Debate Structure

  1. Opening Statements
  2. Main Arguments
  3. Rebuttals
  4. Audience Questions
  5. Closing Statements

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