Immigration Difficulties in the US
The United States, the largest of the three World Cup host countries, has been plagued by immigration difficulties, mass deportation raids, and climate concerns for most of 2025. Since fans were surprised by the record-high prices in the first phase of ticket sales, the question arises: How much will fans really be able to enjoy the 2026 World Cup?
Immigration Problems
The US has made entering the country a nightmare for many, especially since Donald Trump’s return to power. Unpredictable rejections and even detentions at the border made headlines earlier this year. The previous two World Cups had an expedited, temporary visa process, but the United States does not yet offer such a program. The final tournament schedule will not be announced until the draw on December 5, leaving many fans facing a lengthy bureaucratic process before they even know when and if their country will play.
For some, participating in the tournament may already be legally impossible. At the beginning of the summer, Trump announced a new list of countries whose citizens are completely banned from entering the United States. An exception has been made for the players and staff of all sports teams participating in the tournament, meaning the teams will be allowed entry but fans will remain seated at home. So far, Iran is the only nation from this list to have qualified for the World Cup.
Mass Deportation Raids
As difficult as it may be to enter the country, it could also be difficult to stay there. Mass deportation raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been underway across the country for months. The targets tend to be large, liberal-voting cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, many of which will host the tournament next year. During the Club World Cup this summer, ICE made its presence known, recommending that participants carry proof of their legal status.
Although the tournament ultimately ended without any major ICE-related incidents, the statements caused enough fear to keep many fans away. If this continues next year, many fans could be deterred from traveling. The strong security presence at the Club World Cup has also raised concerns about the potential for similar incidents during the 2026 World Cup.
High Financial and Environmental Costs
Added to these civil rights concerns are the financial implications for fans. The most expensive tickets for the 2026 final are almost four times more expensive than those for Qatar 2022. Prices vary for the group stage and opening games of each host country, but tickets for the group stage are still around three times higher than the last edition. Combined with “variable price” systems and resale portals with no price cap, simply purchasing a ticket could cost fans hundreds to thousands of dollars.
In addition to the financial costs, there are also large environmental costs. After the last World Cup took place in the small Gulf state of Qatar, this edition sees games taking place in the three largest North American nations, relying primarily on air travel. The increase in road traffic is expected to be such that it will reportedly help make this World Cup the most polluting ever. Public transport also remains a big problem, with many venues not accessible by public transportation.
FIFA’s Response
FIFA President has assured the public that immigration issues will not be a problem, stating that the United States government is committed to ensuring that the process runs smoothly. However, he did not provide any details on how this process will work. A group of 90 human rights groups have signed an open letter to FIFA, asking them to address increasing abuses in the United States, but there was no direct answer. Despite these concerns, FIFA remains optimistic about the tournament, with the media director defending the ticketing model and its responsibility to provide fans with access while ensuring value is retained for redistribution into sport around the world.
