England's participation in the upcoming World Cup faces potential disruptions due to a licensing dispute related to their group stage match against Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Local officials have demanded £5.8 million for public safety funding, threatening to withhold the necessary entertainment permit for the match unless their demands are met, which puts the fixture in jeopardy.

In addition to the issues in the U.S., England's potential round of 16 game at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is also uncertain. The stadium is experiencing significant renovation delays which could prevent it from being adequately prepared for the matches. If England secures a winning position in Group L, they will be required to advance to this venue, which is now under scrutiny for its readiness.

Furthermore, the escalating cartel violence in Mexico adds another layer of risk for any matches scheduled there, raising concerns over player safety and the overall security environment. Collectively, these factors highlight the precarious situation facing England's World Cup games, with both local and international implications for the tournament’s operations.