The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in mid-June across Mexico, the US, and Canada, marking the first time Mexico has hosted the tournament since the legendary 1986 edition.

Out of 104 total matches spread across 16 host cities in the three co-hosting nations, Mexico was allocated just 13 games.

Prohibitive ticket pricing has put live attendance out of reach for a significant portion of Mexican fans. Pay-TV subscription costs add another barrier for those who just want to watch from home. And strict FIFA licensing rules have limited the ability of communities to organize public viewings in lower-income neighborhoods.

Reuters coverage has highlighted widespread local protests addressing these perceived barriers to access.

On June 9, 2026, FIFA…