Less than two months out from the World Cup, fans are preparing to witness the best soccer teams in the world compete at the highest level. Given the contentious environment of today’s current events, pressure rides on sporting contests like the World Cup to alleviate tension among nations. As we head into the 2026 World Cup, one of the main storylines surrounding the tournament is the politics of one of the host countries. The U.S. will be co-hosting this year’s games along with Canada and Mexico, and, with the Trump administration’s increasingly controversial immigration policy, many World Cup fans are expressing disdain two months out from the event.
There are 16 host cities across North America this year. The United States, alone, will be hosting games in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta and Dallas, but there will also be a few stadiums in Mexico City and Toronto, making it extremely difficult and more expensive for fans to see games in different stadiums. However, according to the BBC, ticket prices this year are “thought to be the most expensive ever for general admission to a football match.” Thus ticket affordability and accessibility are an issue now more than ever.
Despite being a host country, the US is struggling to sell tickets for their first home match against Paraguay. While FIFA maintains that all matches are selling well, this particular game was originally the third most expensive in the World Cup. While likely a result of prices, stagnant ticket sales may be an indicator of the fact the US men’s national team (USMNT) is less popular than officials initially expected. In September, the team faced South Korea in New Jersey, where US fans were categorically outnumbered by South Korean fans, and the team were defeated 2-0 in a home match without any home field advantage. A lack of excitement surrounding the team could also factor into poor ticket sales for their home opener this summer.
Assuming fans make it to the matches this summer, they’ll have to contend with an increasingly controversial security strategy in the US. There have even been calls from fans for their teams to boycott the World Cup due to the United States’ controversial immigration policies. President Trump currently has a ban on 39 countries, four of which are participating in the games this summer (Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast and Senegal). Haiti has not participated in a World Cup since 1974, and their participation this year is likely due to FIFA’s decision to expand the number of participating countries to 48.
Given Haiti’s proximity to the games this year, their qualifying for the games will be incredibly significant and meaningful to fans. However, Trump’s ban has made many fans feel that they would be unsafe if they attend the tournament. Exceptions to travel bans include players, team staff, coaches and immediate family members, but that does not pertain to fans or journalists. Fans traveling from countries that are included in Trump’s travel ban will not be able to spectate as of right now, and the administration has not indicated that they will find a solution for these fans.
Typically, host countries enhance security given that the World Cup is such a big event that requires massive organization. However, Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), said the organization would play a “key part” in World Cup security. Thus, lack of affordability notwithstanding, many soccer fans will not attend the games on behalf of their own safety. This also means that the United States will lose a lot of money as they restrict the amount of fans traveling to the country for the games.
Logistical and economic challenges to this year’s World Cup have diminished enthusiasm for the event. While the games typically represent a shared love for the world’s most popular sport, this year, they have become divisive and exclusive. Politics have always played a role in sports, and given that the World Cup brings so much attention to the host country, they are especially prominent during the World Cup. Poor ticket management, a U.S. team that seemingly lacks direction and the Trump administration’s immigration policies have marred the tournament’s outlook.
