What factors make the 2026 World Cup highly political? What practical implications does the EU Migration and Asylum Pact have as it comes into force? These are the two questions explored in the Brussels, My Love? podcast.

This week marked the start of the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico facing South Africa in what many describe as one of the most politically loaded tournaments in history.

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The tournament, which will captivate football enthusiasts until 19 July, takes place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

While some in Brussels concentrate on World Cup wagering, others focus on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which becomes fully operational today (12 June).

The weekly Euronews podcast Brussels, My Love? seeks to connect these two subjects through discussions with Virginie Jacob, senior advisor on migration at the European Policy Centre; Petros Fassoulas, secretary general of the European Movement International; and Euronews journalist Adnan Leal.

EU Pact on Migration and Asylum: The pact is effective today

Initially adopted in 2024, the EU Migration and Asylum Pact brings a binding legislative framework aimed at reforming how migration is managed and establishing a unified asylum system throughout the EU.

Some stakeholders welcome the pact as an essential reform; however, critics warn it might result in immigration policies similar to those of ICE.

Fassoulas views the pact as evidence of the EU’s capability to respond to crises rather than to prevent them. “People are escaping war, poverty, and environmental disasters, and so far, insufficient investment has been made in infrastructure to host these individuals seeking refuge,” he stated.

A principal component of the pact is the Return Regulation, approved on 1 June, which enables EU member states to set up return hubs outside the union’s territory.

“Return hubs will permit member states to send people back to countries where they have no ties, providing an advantage in reducing procedural bottlenecks,” Jacob told Euronews.

Jacob considers today as the beginning of a transition period, since the pact represents broad reform that cannot be implemented instantaneously. She added positively, “If successfully put into practice, it could foster mutual trust and cooperation among member states.”

The World Cup with a strong political backdrop

As often witnessed in sports, politics inevitably influences events off the field.

With ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this edition of the World Cup will uniquely feature the host nation, the US, competing against Iran, a country it remains at war with.

“It is regrettable that political circumstances threaten to overshadow such a significant sporting occasion,” commented Fassoulas.

He further expressed his concern: “I fear that the tensions preceding the tournament may escalate further.”

Leal pointed out that ticket prices have become a significant challenge for this World Cup. “The cheapest ticket for the Qatar final was $1,600; for this year’s final, tickets start around $6,000 and can reach up to $32,000,” he noted.

Regarding potential winners, the betting landscape remains uncertain. Based on Leal’s insights, Spain and France are seen as strong contenders.

The podcast can be listened to via the player above or on any preferred podcast platform.

Additional sources • Georgios Leivaditis, sound editing and mixing.