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From Trump to Messi, Iran to ICE, politics and sport collide at the biggest World Cup in history
FIFA expects 7 million fans and says all 104 matches will sell out as it stages its largest World Cup ever.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday, featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across three host nations over nearly six weeks.
Unprecedented logistical challenges face the three-country event, as one team moved its training base from Arizona to Tijuana amid visa hassles just before play begins.
Fans have accused FIFA of a "monumental betrayal" over ticket pricing, with resale prices reaching under $2.3 million each for four final tickets in April.
An IPSOS poll found only 26% of Americans felt excited about the tournament, yet FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended prices, claiming demand equals "1,000 years of World Cups at once."
Beyond the controversy, soccer takes center stage as elite teams like Brazil under coach Carlo Ancelotti pursue titles, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino predicting 6 billion global viewers.