My opinion: the 2026 FIFA World Cup will unite people emotionally, but it may increase political tensions at the government/media level.

Football has a rare ability to make ordinary people celebrate together. Fans from rival countries sit in the same stadium, families follow underdog stories, and smaller nations get global attention. That part genuinely unites people. The fact that the tournament is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States also gives it a symbolic “continental cooperation” message.

But politically, this World Cup is happening in a very sensitive environment. Rights groups have warned about visa restrictions, border enforcement, policing, and immigration-related fear around U.S.-hosted matches. There are also concerns in Mexico that many local fans feel priced out or excluded, with complaints about expensive tickets, limited public viewing, and strict FIFA commercial rules.

The biggest flashpoints will be visa issues, protests, national flags/symbols, security, racism or hate speech, and matches involving politically sensitive countries. For example, Iran’s participation in a U.S.-hosted tournament has already been described as highly politically charged because of U.S.–Iran tensions. FIFA is also publicly addressing online hate speech during the tournament, which shows that social tension around football is not theoretical—it is already active.

So my honest view is: among people, it will unite; among politicians, activists, media, and governments, it may expose and amplify tensions. The World Cup will not create new conflicts by itself, but it will act like a giant spotlight on existing issues. If managed well, it can become a bridge. If handled poorly, especially around visas, policing, ticket access, and protests, it can become another political battlefield.

My final judgment: 60% unifying for ordinary fans, 40% tension-building politically. The emotional power of football is real, but in 2026 the political background is too strong to ignore.