Wright tears into USA's 'no clue' World Cup hosting as Neville slams tolerance failure

Ian Wright has delivered a scathing assessment of the United States' stewardship of the 2026 World Cup, declaring the host nation has "got no idea and clue of the spirit of the game" as controversies continue to mount ahead of the tournament's kick-off.

Whilst Canada and Mexico share hosting duties, the overwhelming majority of criticism has trained its sights on the Americans in recent weeks. The bromance between FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump, combined with eye-watering ticket prices and the uncomfortable reality of active hostilities with competing nation Iran, have all fuelled considerable unease.

The decision to bar Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the country proved the final straw, sparking fresh waves of condemnation on the eve of the tournament.

Speaking from the ITV studio during the opening fixture—which saw Mexico dispatch South Africa 2-0—Gary Neville launched a withering critique of the Artan ban. "That to me is ridiculous the fact that the referee is not able to come into this country," he said. "He's a FIFA referee and someone who has been lauded as someone who is the very best. You have that statue over your shoulder, the Statue of Liberty. I don't think he will be feeling like that now.

"When you host a World Cup you are giving over your land to the world of football for four, to five, to six weeks. We need tolerance and people who can accept everybody comes from a different part of the world and that's not happened here."

Wright subsequently broadened his attack, suggesting the host nation requires a fundamental reckoning with football's core values. "I have spoken about the spirit of football and all the things that come with the spirit of the game," he explained. "I think here, they have got no idea and clue of the spirit of the game and what is happening and what's happened.

"Then you look also at people who keep saying things like 'keep politics out of sport'. What are they saying now?"

Roy Keane echoed the sentiment, whilst acknowledging the tournament's commencement might reset the narrative. "Obviously we're ex-players and now we're pundits and that's why we're here, to watch the football," he said. "It's been mentioned, we shouldn't shy away from the problems that are facing officials, supporters, and teams.

"Once the tournament starts and the opening ceremony gets underway, hopefully it will all be positive from here onwards. But we shouldn't shy away from the issues going on in the background."