World Cup marks 100-day countdown amid political upheavalThe MetLife Stadium outside New York will host the July 19 final of the 2026 World CupLOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - The 100-day countdown to the biggest World Cup in history gets under way on Tuesday against a chaotic backdrop of global unrest, from US-Israeli strikes on Iran to surging violence in Mexico and anxiety over Donald Trump's domestic agenda. The Trump administration's immigration crackdown meanwhile has seen enhanced visa restrictions on dozens of countries including four World Cup qualified nations -- Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. The surging violence gripped Guadalajara, Mexico's second biggest city, which is hosting four World Cup matches. Both Infantino and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have both given assurances that the recent unrest will not disrupt World Cup games taking place in the country. Argentina's hopes of winning back-to-back World Cup titles will face a stern challenge from 2018 champions France and reigning European champions Spain.

Source: Bangkok Post March 01, 2026 10:07 UTC