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From Trump to Messi, Iran to ICE, politics and sport collide at the biggest World Cup in history

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.

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From Trump To Messi, Iran To ICE, Politics and Sport Collide At Biggest WC

The wait is over for the biggest World Cup ever with 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and a slew of questions and controversies swirling around the highly scrutinzed event that will last for...

8 hours ago·New Delhi, India

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Lean Left

From Trump to Messi, Iran to ICE, politics and sport collide at the biggest World Cup in history

The biggest World Cup ever is about to kick off with 48 teams playing 104 matches across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, transforming North America into the center of the soccer world for nearly six weeks.

10 hours ago·New York, United States

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