WORLD CUP , VISA DENIALS AND OTHER CONTROVERSIES
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the largest sporting events ever organized. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted jointly by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will also be the first World Cup to include 48 teams, making it the biggest edition in FIFA's history.
Football is often called "the people's sport" because of its accessibility. Unlike many sports, it requires 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 influential global events.
Hosting the tournament can generate significant economic benefits. Governments often invest heavily in infrastructure, including airports, roads, public transport systems, hotels, and stadiums. Supporters argue that these projects create jobs, attract tourism, stimulate economic growth, and improve a country's international reputation.
Spain's experience demonstrates how sporting events can transform cities. After hosting the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona modernized transport networks, public spaces, beaches, and sporting facilities. Many experts view the Olympics as a successful example of long-term urban transformation.
However, major sporting events often generate controversy. Critics argue that governments spend enormous amounts of public money while healthcare, education, and housing face funding shortages. Environmental groups also highlight concerns about carbon emissions, construction projects, and long-term sustainability.
The 2026 World Cup faces additional challenges because it will take place across three countries. Organizing transportation, security, border controls, and crowd management will require unprecedented international cooperation.
One controversial issue involves visa restrictions and entry requirements. Although millions of fans are expected to travel, several journalists, referees, support staff, and supporters have reported difficulties obtaining permission to enter the United States. Critics argue that these restrictions contradict the international spirit of the World Cup, while governments maintain that national security and immigration laws must remain priorities.
Other problems have also appeared such as many football supporters were victims of ticket scams. Authorities in Mexico warned fans about fake websites and tickets, and fraudulent travel packages. Some supporters lost hundreds or even thousands of euros after purchasing tickets from unofficial sellers. Officials advised fans to buy tickets only through FIFA's official channels.
There were also reports of crime affecting visitors. In Mexico City, two football fans were robbed at gunpoint while travelling from the airport to their hotel. The thieves stole passports, money, watches, and other valuables. Police increased security around tourist areas and stadiums after the incident.
Security concerns also arose around some matches. Before the opening game in Mexico City, clashes occurred outside the stadium involving ticketless fans and protesters. Several arrests were made after objects were thrown at police officers.
One of the most talked-about incidents on social media involved supporters of Argentina and Algeria. Videos of a large fight between groups of fans went viral online. The confrontation took place in New York before the two teams played each other, and police intervened to restore order. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted how tensions between rival supporters can sometimes lead to violence
As the tournament approaches, questions about mobility, sovereignty, inclusiveness, and international cooperation continue to attract global attention.
Ultimately, the World Cup demonstrates both the opportunities and challenges of globalization. It has the power to unite people across cultures while also exposing political, economic, environmental, and security tensions. The next World Cup will take place in Spain, Portugal and Morrocco. FIFA has confirmed Barcelona as a host city for the 2030 World Cup, with matches scheduled at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. Barcelona also has a second host venue in the metropolitan area, the RCDE Stadium. The large capacity of Camp Nou, which is around 105,000 after renovation , makes it one of the strongest candidates to host either a semi-final or the final itself. Barcelona's city government and FC Barcelona have actively campaigned for the final to be played there.
1. READING COMPREHENSION
- Why is football the world's most popular sport?
- What makes the World Cup different from other sporting events?
- Should countries spend public money on sporting events?
- What problems can occur when millions of people travel internationally?
- Should sporting events be separated from politics?
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 |
3. HOST COUNTRIES ANALYSIS
In 2030, these will be the countires hosting the next World Cup. Rank the host countries from most to least likely to benefit and what unique challenges could each of these countries have :
| Country | Advantages | Disadvantages | Biggest Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | |||
| Morocco | |||
| Portugal |
Explain your ranking.
In addition, there is a high probability that Barcelona will be hosting the final game at Camp Nou. What unique challenges will the city of Barcelona be facing in this scenario ?
4. VOCABULARY MATCH
Part A
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Words Definitions 1. accreditation a. Based on personal judgment 2. controversy b. Official power to make decisions 3. authority c. Freedom to travel between countries 4. vetting d. Promise or assurance 5. accessibility e. Public disagreement or dispute 6. discretionary f. Official permission to participate in an event 7. mobility g. Investigation of a person's background 8. guarantee h. Ability to be reached, entered, or used
Part B
Words Definitions 1. screening a. Situation in which the future is unclear 2. admission b. Equal access and representation for everyone 3. sovereignty c. Positive public image 4. participation d. The right of a country to govern itself 5. uncertainty e. Careful examination before approval 6. revenue f. Taking part in an activity 7. reputation g. Permission to enter a country 8. inclusiveness h. Money earned by an activity or organization 5. SYNONYM MATCH
- infrastructure — a. image
- welfare — b. encourage
- controversy — c. facilities
- collective memory — d. public disagreement
- influence — e. well-being
- stimulate — f. shared history
- displacement — g. power
- prominent — h. relocation
- scrutiny — i. close inspection
- reputation — j. well-known
6. Barcelona Hosts the World Cup Finals
In 4 years from now, there is a high chance that Barcelona will be hosting several World Cup final-stage matches. including the semifinals and the final. Hundreds of thousands of football fans arrive from around the world. As residents of Barcelona, 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 normally takes you 30 minutes to get to work, but now it takes more than 90 minutes.
Discussion Questions
- How would this affect your daily life?
- What alternatives could you use?
- Would you work from home if possible?
- Should the city create special transport routes for residents?
Scenario 2: Noise and Crowds Near Your Home
You live close to the stadium. Every night there are thousands of fans celebrating in the streets until 2:00 a.m.
Discussion Questions
- How would you feel?
- What could residents do to reduce the problem?
- Should the city limit celebrations after midnight?
- Would you temporarily stay somewhere else?
Scenario 3: Prices Increase Everywhere
Because of the World Cup, restaurants, taxis, and supermarkets increase their prices. Rent also becomes more expensive.
Discussion Questions
- How would rising prices affect residents?
- Should the government control prices?
- What strategies could residents use to save money?
- Is this fair or unfair?
Scenario 4: Renting Out a Spare Room
You have an extra bedroom in your apartment. Thousands of football fans are looking for accommodation.
Situation
You can rent the room for €150 per night during the tournament.
Discussion Questions
- Would you rent the room?
- What advantages and disadvantages are there?
- How much money could you earn?
- What rules would you establish for guests?
Scenario 5: Starting a Small Food Business
Large crowds gather near fan zones every day. You are thinking about selling sandwiches, drinks, or local snacks.
Discussion Questions
- What products would sell best?
- How much could you charge?
- What permits might you need?
- Would this be a good business idea?
Scenario 6: Offering Services to Tourists
Many visitors do not speak Spanish or Catalan and need help finding attractions, restaurants, and transport.
Situation
You are considering becoming a local guide, translator, or private driver.
Discussion Questions
- Which service would be most profitable?
- What skills would you need?
- How much would you charge?
- Would you do this full-time or part-time?
Final Task
Which problem would be the most difficult for Barcelona residents?
Which financial opportunity would be the most profitable?
If the World Cup came to Barcelona, would you be excited or worried? Why?
7. SCENARIOS — WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
1. The Denied Journalist
Your visa application is rejected one week before the tournament.
- What would you do next?
- Should FIFA help?
- Who is responsible?
2. The Seven-Hour Airport Interview
You are questioned for seven hours after landing.
- Is this reasonable?
- How should officials treat accredited visitors?
- Would this affect your view of the host country?
3. The Boycotting Team
A national team threatens to boycott a match because one of its staff members was denied entry.
- Should the team play?
- Is the boycott justified?
- What would you do as the coach?
4. The Security Alert
Authorities receive information about a possible threat connected to the tournament.
- Should immigration checks become stricter?
- How much risk is acceptable?
- Should the public be informed?
5. The Volunteer Shortage
Many international volunteers cannot obtain visas and several stadiums are understaffed.
- How would this affect the tournament?
- Should local volunteers replace them?
- Who is responsible?
6. The Empty Stadium
Thousands of fans are unable to travel and several matches are half empty.
- How does this affect the atmosphere?
- Who loses money?
- Does it damage the World Cup experience?
7. The Special World Cup Visa
The government creates a fast-track visa exclusively for accredited World Cup participants.
- Is this fair?
- Should sporting events receive special treatment?
- Could there be risks?
8. The Viral Video
A supporter posts a video criticizing the host country's visa system and it receives 50 million views.
- How should officials respond?
- Does reputation matter?
- Can social media influence policy?
8. DISCUSSION: BARCELONA'S LEGACY
- How did the 1992 Olympics transform Barcelona and do you think the 2030 WC could have a similar effect?
- What benefits did the city receive?
- What problems emerged later?
- Was the transformation worth the cost?
- Which is more important: economic growth or protecting local communities?
9. FILL IN THE BLANKS
Word Box:
reputation • infrastructure • accessibility • displacement • rights • coordination • political • impact • argue • attention • accreditation • sovereignty • mobility • vetting • participation
- Governments often invest heavily in __________ projects.
- Critics __________ that public money should be spent elsewhere.
- Organizing a tournament across three countries requires strong __________.
- Environmental __________ has become a major issue.
- Some projects have resulted in the __________ of local residents.
- Worker __________ are often discussed.
- Governments sometimes use sporting events for __________ purposes.
- The World Cup receives intense media __________.
- Football's __________ makes it popular worldwide.
- A successful tournament can improve a country's international __________.
- FIFA granted official __________ to the journalist.
- Governments argue that __________ allows them to control borders.
- International __________ allows people to travel more easily.
- Additional background __________ was required.
- Fan __________ is essential for a successful atmosphere.
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