2026 World Cup Opens as U.S. Hosts Face Hidden FIFA Costs
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
2026 World Cup Opens as U.S. Hosts Face Hidden FIFA Costs
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
Summary
The 2026 World Cup kicked off Thursday with fresh scrutiny on how American taxpayers are helping fund FIFA’s expanded tournament.
The Athletic FC: Daily Cup featured reporting from Adam Crafton and Pablo Torre on those less visible host-city and public costs tied to staging the event.
The show also previewed the U.S. men’s national team’s home-field edge, with Tom Bogert outlining the USMNT’s prospects as the tournament begins.
Coverage widened to opening-day storylines, including team kits from Curaçao’s popular design to Nike’s "shoulder-gate" controversy, underscoring the mix of sport, spending and spectacle around the 2026 event.