This year's World Cup has highlighted the tensions between the host countries - the U.S., Mexico, and Canada - at a time of great uncertainty in their relationship.
The lead-up to the tournament was marked by squabbles over trade, security, and immigration policies, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accusing the U.S. of meddling in her country's internal affairs.
Each host country has been telling a different story, with the U.S. emphasizing security, Mexico showcasing its culture of hospitality, and Canada focusing on its emergence as a soccer nation.
The result is a tournament that has often felt like three parallel World Cups rather than one shared event, with a spirit of unity hard to see.
Off-field tensions have been visible on the field and in the stands, with fans and players from several competing nations facing difficulties due to the Trump administration's travel ban and visa issues.
Despite efforts to downplay the tensions, the incident has sparked concerns about the impact of the World Cup on the region's relationships.
