The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first time the tournament is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In Los Angeles, excitement is palpable, with fans engaging in watch parties, despite high ticket prices for the U.S. matches. The U.S. team opened with a strong win against Paraguay, showcasing emerging talent like Folarin Balogun.
In Guadalajara, the event also serves as a platform to highlight the ongoing crisis of disappearances linked to drug cartel violence. Families are using the visibility of the World Cup to draw attention to their missing loved ones, blending sports with a pressing human rights issue.