Is it a festival or a burden? The perspectives on the 2026 World Cup are not only divided within the U.S.

On the surface, it's the largest global event in history...

However, with complex issues facing the host countries, there's a creeping anxiety about whether "can we really pull this off?"

In the U.S., opinions are already split. On one side, there are rosy forecasts of an economic impact of about $40.9 billion and over 6 million tourists. Cities like LA and New York have already begun preparations, and the hotel and retail sectors are optimistic.

But at the same time, practical problems keep arising. As FIFA cuts its operational budget, security and transportation costs have shifted to local governments.

Ticket prices are outrageous, especially when looking at the prices for the New Jersey final.

Official Prices by Seat Category (Face Value)

• Category 1 (Preferred lower stand area): $6,730
• Category 2 (Some lower and upper levels): $4,210
• Category 3 (Mainly upper level): $2,790
• Category 4 (Cheapest upper level): $2,030
• Luxury Suite: about $200,000 (up to 24 people allowed)

There are even questions like, "Who is this World Cup for?"

With parking and accommodation costs rising, local residents see it as a significant burden rather than a festival they can participate in.

As for Mexico, the most urgent situation is there.

Both security and infrastructure are in turmoil. The biggest issue is cartel violence.

In February of this year, the leader of the 'Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)', El Mencho, was killed during a military operation, worsening the situation rapidly. In Jalisco state, which includes Guadalajara, roadblocks, arson, and shootouts have created an atmosphere close to a state of emergency. Given that such events are happening in a World Cup host city, it's natural for people to question whether the matches can be held properly.

There are also issues with the stadium. The Estadio Azteca, where the opening match is scheduled, is facing continuous renovation delays. Structural issues and logistical problems are causing schedule setbacks, and there were even incidents of confusion and safety issues during a recent reopening event.

Local residents are increasingly protesting. There are concerns that housing prices and living costs will rise due to the World Cup, and there are fears of water and electricity shortages, leading to protests. While it may seem like a festival from the outside, internally it's a structure leading to living issues.

The Mexican government is not sitting idly by either. They have announced the 'Kukulkan Plan', deploying a security force of 100,000 personnel to ensure safety. FIFA has also officially stated that they have "complete confidence" and emphasized that there will be no change in the host cities.

Canada is quietly facing its own issues. With poor performance affecting the atmosphere, human rights organizations are pressuring the government over immigrant and worker rights. While it appears to be a stable host country on the surface, there are different kinds of burdens internally.

Ultimately, this World Cup is structured around three countries each facing different problems simultaneously.

The U.S. is concerned about money and infrastructure, Mexico about security and readiness, and Canada about social issues.

So, the saying that's been circulating lately sums it up perfectly.

"This is not just a sports event; it's a project where three countries are simultaneously on trial."

On the surface, it's a festival. But behind it all are intertwined issues of cost, safety, politics, and social problems.

If all these issues are managed well, it could be a historic success. Conversely, if even one major issue arises, it could lead to criticism of, "Why did we push so hard for this?"

The current atmosphere is right in the middle. There's a simultaneous rise in both expectations and anxieties.

So, to sum up this World Cup in one phrase:

"The size is the largest ever, and the risks are the largest ever."