The 2026 World Cup promises to break all sporting records, but it could also become one of the World Cups most marked by the international context. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, growing geopolitical tensions, immigration restrictions promoted by the United States and warnings about extreme temperatures place the competition before unprecedented challenges. While FIFA defends that it will be the most inclusive World Cup in history, civil organizations, experts and some governments question how new border policies, international conflicts and climate change will affect players, fans and delegations. Can football stay out of politics or will this World Cup be defined by something more than what happens inside the stadiums? We analyzed it in El Debate on France 24.