World Cup ticket prices start at $400–$1,200+ as FIFA monetizes the tournament ruthlessly, while Iran's participation amid U.S. tensions and ICE immigration activity create a complex geopolitical backdrop. ESPN's Sam Borden unpacks why the tournament still matters beyond scorelines and whether hosting is worth the global scrutiny. FIFA switched from local organizing committees to direct tournament control eight years ago, giving the organization unilateral power over ticketing, stadium naming, and revenue extraction—including 15% commissions on resales.