The 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations are making headlines today with several important developments. FIFA has yet to respond to claims about South Africa fielding an ineligible player, Jose Mourinho is being considered for Brazil’s national team coaching position, and a new ticket strategy links Club World Cup attendance to 2026 World Cup final tickets.
These updates emerge as qualification tournaments progress across continents with seven teams already securing their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament.
FIFA Silent on South Africa’s Eligibility Controversy
The world football governing body, FIFA has not yet addressed South Africa’s case of fielding an ineligible player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. According to reports, South Africa played midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho on March 21 despite him having received two yellow cards in previous matches, which should have made him ineligible to play.
Both Lesotho and Nigeria are now demanding a 3-point deduction from South Africa, who currently lead their qualification group with 13 points. This situation is similar to a case from 2018 when Nigeria was penalized by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player in a qualifier against Algeria.
The Lesotho Football Association has asked FIFA to be fair in its judgment, as Bafana Bafana violated rules governing the game. Nigeria could benefit from any points deduction, as they compete in the same qualifying group.
Jose Mourinho Shortlisted for Brazil National Team
In a surprising development, Jose Mourinho has emerged as a strong candidate to take over as manager of record FIFA World Cup winners Brazil. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is considering “The Special One” among four high-profile candidates following the dismissal of Dorival Junior after Brazil’s 4-1 defeat to Argentina.
Mourinho, currently managing Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, could be joined on the shortlist by Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus, and Abel Ferreira. Brazil is currently struggling in their qualification campaign, sitting in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings.
The five-time world champions are looking for a top manager to guide them to the global tournament set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. Mourinho’s appointment would mark a significant shift, as Brazil has rarely appointed foreign coaches.
No Visa Issues Expected Despite Trump Policies
France football legend Marcel Desailly has dismissed concerns about potential visa issues affecting attendance at the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Despite fears about long visa appointment wait times and stricter regulations under President Donald Trump, Desailly believes sport transcends such obstacles.
“Sport is above that. We’ve had World Cups in places with bigger problems than a few visa issues,” Desailly said. “Look at Qatar! So much criticism before the tournament. People said ‘It won’t work’. But it worked. It was a fantastic tournament.”
The comments from the 1998 World Cup winner come as some fans express worry about traveling to the United States for the tournament under current immigration policies.
FIFA Links Club World Cup to 2026 World Cup Tickets
In an effort to boost sales for the upcoming Club World Cup, FIFA has announced an innovative ticket strategy linking the two tournaments. Fans who purchase a “Super Ticket Pack” for the Club World Cup will be guaranteed an opportunity to buy a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
The strategy requires fans to attend all games they purchase tickets for under the Super Ticket Pack, which must include either the opening game or final, and one semi-final match of the Club World Cup. This move comes as FIFA faces challenges in selling tickets for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup format.
According to FIFA, ticket purchasers must attend all games they have bought tickets for, but can offer a ticket to a guest they can identify as a friend or family member. The World Cup tickets would be available on a first-come-first-serve basis and are only valid for games taking place in the USA.
Qualification Update: Who’s In and Who’s Close
So far, seven teams have secured their spots in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup:
- The three host nations: United States, Canada, and Mexico
- Japan (first non-host nation to qualify)
- Iran
- New Zealand
- Argentina (after beating Brazil 4-1)
European qualifiers continue with England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland all beginning their campaigns. Africa’s qualification is heating up too, with Ghana’s Kamaldeen Sulemana expressing the Black Stars’ determination to secure a spot after missing out on the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
“We want to do well in the World Cup qualifiers and in the World Cup,” said Sulemana. Ghana’s recent 5-0 thrashing of Chad, followed by a convincing 3-0 win over Madagascar, has seen them rise to the top of Group I with 15 points.
Neymar’s Last Shot at World Cup Glory
Neymar has announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, adding extra motivation to Brazil’s qualification campaign. “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” the 32-year-old attacker said.
The Brazilian forward, who plays club football with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, has suffered from injuries but remains confident Brazil will qualify. “I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young,” he said. “I think together we can achieve something very big.”
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to bring excitement and controversy. With an expanded format offering more opportunities for nations to qualify, the competition across all confederations is intense.
As qualification battles heat up, coaching changes loom, and FIFA implements new ticket strategies, football fans around the world can look forward to what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history.
