Concerns Rise Over US Readiness for 2026 World Cup Amid Political Climate

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently assured that "the world will be welcome" during next summer's Men's World Cup, primarily hosted by the United States, with some matches taking place in Canada and Mexico.

Earlier this year, the Swiss official stated, "We'll bring the world to the United States of America. The world loves America, whatever some might say." However, as the tournament approaches, scrutiny is increasing regarding whether the U.S. will be as welcoming as Infantino claims.

The host nation is currently experiencing political division and unrest, marked by rising political violence, the deployment of state troops to major cities by President Donald Trump, and a stricter immigration policy.

As ticket sales commence and fans finalize their travel plans, BBC Sport examines several issues that are causing concern.

Ticket Price Hike Generates Criticism

Last week, the first batch of tickets for next summer's matches went on sale, attracting over 4.5 million fans who entered a draw for a chance to purchase them. FIFA's pricing strategy has faced significant backlash.

While FIFA has not officially released a comprehensive price list, fans who successfully navigated the digital queues have reported ticket prices online. General admission tickets have been categorized into four tiers, with prices for the opening match in the U.S. ranging from $560 (£417) to $2,235 (£1,662). In contrast, the opening match at the last World Cup in Qatar was priced between $55 (£41) and $618 (£460).

The least expensive ticket for the 2026 final is $2,030 (£1,510), while the most expensive ticket costs $6,000 (£4,462). Although hospitality tickets are yet to be released, they are expected to be priced significantly higher.

Some tickets for early matches in less prominent locations are available for $60 (£44), but these represent a small fraction of the total seats. Additionally, reports indicate that FIFA will impose 15% charges on both buyers and sellers of tickets resold through its official platform.

FIFA did not respond to inquiries from the BBC regarding these issues.

Thomas Concannon, leader of the Football Supporters Association's England Fans' Embassy, expressed his discontent, stating, "These prices are astonishing - $2,030 for the cheapest final ticket is unacceptable. If fans manage to secure a category four ticket from the first game to the last, that could total at least $3,180 (£2,363), more than double the cost in Qatar. Combined with travel and accommodation, this will be the most expensive World Cup for match-going fans we've ever seen by a significant margin."

FIFA is also implementing a 'dynamic' pricing model for the tournament, meaning ticket prices for high-demand matches could increase substantially during later sales periods. This system may favor American fans while potentially excluding international supporters.

Scott Friedman, founder of the Ticket Talk Network in the U.S., noted, "Dynamic pricing has been prevalent here for over a decade. For FIFA, it's about supply and demand; they aim to maximize revenue. This system advantages American citizens who can purchase resale tickets at lower prices shortly before a match, making it challenging for international fans to participate."

Visa Delays Cause Uncertainty

During his previous term, Trump signed a letter affirming that "all eligible athletes, officials, and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter the United States without discrimination". While fans from the UK and EU can travel without a visa due to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, citizens from many countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America, must apply for visas.

Unlike Russia and Qatar, which implemented fast-track visa processes for previous World Cups, the U.S. has not established such measures. Fans hoping to attend matches must navigate the same visa application process as other visitors, facing potential delays that could prevent them from obtaining approval in time for the tournament.

Visa applications typically require at least one in-person interview at an embassy, and under the Trump administration, officials have been granted increased authority to scrutinize applicants' social media and public statements. Currently, average wait times for initial tourist visa interviews for certain countries exceed a year.

Last week, the State Department announced plans to boost staffing levels at select embassies to expedite processing, although specific details regarding which countries will benefit remain undisclosed.

Travis Murphy, a former State Department diplomat and founder of Jetr Global Sports, remarked, "We have a long way to go before we're ready to welcome the world. The current administration has publicly limited international travel and imposed restrictions that complicate the process. The U.S. visa process has historically lacked clarity and efficiency, and while regulations haven't changed significantly, the strictness of enforcement is crucial. There's a prevailing perception that people may not be welcome or safe here, which, while not accurate, could deter international audiences. I would hate to see our country jeopardize future events due to our handling of this situation."

Violence Puts Scrutiny on Security

In 2025, the U.S. has witnessed a series of political assassinations and approximately 500 mass shootings in 2024. Additionally, forced deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have surged under Trump's orders, with National Guard troops deployed in Democrat-led cities, including Los Angeles, which is scheduled to host eight matches.

The presence of ICE and National Guard troops has sparked widespread protests in several cities, and Trump has threatened to relocate matches from areas he deems "unsafe."

Daniel Byman, director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, stated, "There is no question that the divisions in the United States are considerable."

Concerns Rise Over US Readiness for 2026 World Cup Amid Political Climate

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