As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, growing anxieties surround travel and tourism for international visitors amid stringent US immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
Reports of ICE agents’ aggressive presence on streets, including incidents of US citizen killings, have sparked fears among potential fans. Travel bans targeting countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast, both qualified for the tournament, could prevent supporters and even players from entering the US. Additionally, exorbitant stadium ticket prices are expected to exclude many attendees, diminishing the event’s accessibility.
Alexander Abnos, senior sports editor at The Guardian, remarked that removing the US as a host would be eminently sad and entirely justified given these issues. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has advocated for boycotts, aligning with anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth’s suggestion that fans skip US matches.
Despite past boycotts, such as those against Qatar, gaining little momentum, these elements collectively undermine the tournament’s tourism appeal, raising questions about visitor safety and inclusivity.
