2026 FIFA World Cup Marked by Controversies and Criticisms

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was in the spotlight not only for excellent play but also for controversies, criticisms, and allegations of conspiracy. Various decisions made before and during the tournament have raised serious questions about FIFA's transparency, governance, and impartiality.

Some controversies appeared to arise from the disappointment of losing teams, while some were related to genuine concerns about the decision-making process. Here are the 10 major controversies related to the World Cup–