The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday 11th June amid the usual excitement that accompanies football’s biggest spectacle, Yet, beyond the colourful opening ceremonies and predictions about who lifts the coveted trophy, this edition arrives burdened by controversies, political undertones and the painful absence of Nigeria.
For Nigerians, the disappointment cuts deeper because this is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32, offering Africa ten automatic slots. Logic suggested that qualification should have been easier. Reality proved otherwise.
While countries such as Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cabo Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo prepare to represent Africa, Nigeria will once again watch from afar. A football giant that dazzled the world during its debut in the United States in 1994 now finds itself absent from consecutive World Cups for the first time in history.
A campaign marked by managerial instability, tactical confusion and complacency ensured that a team blessed with talents like Victor Osimhen squandered its chances. Four different coaches handled the qualification process, while avoidable draws against supposedly weaker opponents proved costly. The inability to turn dominance into victories ultimately condemned over 200 million football-loving Nigerians to another summer of regrets.
Yet, even as the football world gathers across the United States, Canada and Mexico, politics has found its way onto the pitch.
The United States’ immigration and visa policies have generated concerns over inclusivity and equal access to the tournament. Reports of stringent visa vetting procedures and travel restrictions affecting certain nationalities have sparked debates about whether football’s biggest festival can truly claim to unite the world when barriers still exist for some participants and supporters.
Particular attention has focused on individuals from countries facing diplomatic strains with Washington. Iranian citizens, for instance, have reportedly encountered heightened scrutiny under evolving immigration rules. Questions have also emerged over the participation and movement of certain officials, including concerns raised in football circles involving a Somali referee, highlighting the extent to which geopolitics continues to intersect with sport.
These developments cast a shadow over FIFA’s longstanding slogan that football transcends borders, religion and politics. While the governing body insists that all accredited participants will receive the necessary support, the controversy serves as a reminder that even the beautiful game cannot completely escape global realities.
On the pitch, however, the competition promises to be fiercely contested.
World champions Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi’s final World Cup chapter, will seek to defend their crown. France, runners-up in Qatar, possess enough depth and youthful brilliance to mount another serious challenge. Spain arrive rejuvenated after their recent resurgence, while England’s golden generation remains desperate to end decades of hurt.
Brazil, wounded by years of unfulfilled expectations, enter the tournament determined to reclaim their status as football’s dominant force. Germany and Portugal cannot be discounted, while the Netherlands have quietly assembled a side capable of going deep into the competition.
Africa’s hopes may rest heavily on Morocco, whose historic semi-final appearance in Qatar shattered ceilings and altered perceptions about the continent’s capabilities. Senegal’s experience, Egypt’s resilience and Côte d’Ivoire’s emerging confidence also make them dangerous outsiders capable of causing major upsets.
For Nigeria, these conversations should provoke introspection rather than envy.
Football remains one of the few institutions capable of uniting Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides. In times of economic hardship and insecurity, the Super Eagles have often provided moments of collective pride and escape. To lose that opportunity through poor planning and administrative inefficiency is unacceptable.
Those entrusted with managing the nation’s football must be held accountable. The absence from this World Cup should not merely trigger another cycle of blame and excuses. It should inspire reforms rooted in competence, continuity and long-term planning.
As millions across the globe celebrate another World Cup, Nigerians will cheer as neutral observers, wondering what might have been.
But while others compete for glory in North America, Nigeria’s greatest task begins at home: rebuilding a football system worthy of its immense talent and passionate supporters.
Only then can the dream of returning to football’s grandest stage become a certainty rather than a recurring prayer.