The current environment in the United States may not be the most welcoming for international visitors due to increased border enforcement, stricter visa regulations, and concerns over potential detainment. Despite these challenges, the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major global soccer event, is set to take place in the U.S. next year alongside Mexico and Canada.
With 11 out of the 16 host cities located in the U.S., an estimated 6.5 million attendees are expected across the three countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has expressed support for international fans attending the World Cup, faces scrutiny over potential obstacles posed by U.S. immigration policies.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have raised alarms about holding matches in the U.S. amidst criticism of the country’s immigration stance. Concerns have been voiced about the treatment of international fans, especially those from countries with strained relations with the U.S.
The U.S. immigration policies, including travel restrictions and deportations, have raised doubts about the ease of travel for players and fans to the World Cup. Despite assurances from FIFA and U.S. officials, uncertainties persist about the ability of fans to attend the tournament given the political and logistical challenges.
The unity of the three North American nations hosting the World Cup was initially celebrated, but recent political tensions, trade disputes, and immigration enforcement actions have cast a shadow over the event. The potential impact on fan attendance, visa processing delays, and concerns over human rights violations have added complexity to the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While the passion for soccer may outweigh some of these obstacles, the overall landscape, including political deterrents and financial burdens on attendees, raises questions about the turnout for the tournament. The reliance on international visitors to fill stadium seats in a country where soccer is not the dominant sport poses additional challenges for the upcoming World Cup.