Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup
Josh Lawless
The build-up for the 2026 World Cup has been plagued by uncertainty pertaining to the US's foreign policy, with some strong calls for the country to be stripped of its hosting duties.
The US are hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with 78 games allocated - including the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
But with President Donald Trump's administration blocking or heavily restricting citizens of four countries already qualified for the World Cup from travelling to the US, some have pushed for the US to be stripped of the World Cup.
Ivory Coast are one of those countries placed on the banned list, with manager Emerse Fae forced to release a statement - stating, "it would be a real shame not to let our supporters come and experience this celebration."
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Given the costs involved, the build-up and Trump's relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the US being removed as hosts would appear extremely unlikely so soon before the event.
However, it would not be completely unprecedented as FIFA have stepped in before.
In the 1974, Colombia were announced as the hosts for the 1986 showpiece but as time went on it became increasingly clear that they could not cover the significant costs required.
Belisario Betancur, Colombia's president at the time, told FIFA that their demands relating to stadiums, airport upgrades and hotels were "extravagant".
He also said that "the golden rule that the World Cup should serve Colombia and not Colombia the World Cup multinational was not complied with".
The news that Colombia would no longer be hosting the tournament was communicated in 1982 - eight years on from the initial announcement.
It remains the only time a host country did not stage the event after being selected.
A process began to select a replacement host, with Brazil in the race alongside with 2026 co-hosts the US, Canada, and Mexico.
However it was Mexico who were given the tournament after a unanimous verdict. The Latin country made history by becoming the first country to host the World Cup twice, having held it in 1970.
Inspired by the late Diego Maradona, Argentina went all the way - beating England in the quarter-finals thanks to the legend's Hand of God heroics and stunning in individual goal.
Maradona also bagged a brace in the semi-final win over Belgium before Argentina were crowned world champions for the second time thanks to a 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.