With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, travel bans and visa rules could threaten fans travelling to the US. The tournament is set to be co-hosted with Mexico and Canada between 11th June and 19th July, with the expanded edition including 48 national teams, more than ever before.
But political tensions in America, including Trump’s hardline crackdown on immigration may threaten the competition, including travelling fans. Some experts warn that these measures could make it harder than ever for visitors to the event.
“You could have immigration problems with fans and players going across borders,” Victor Matheson, a sports economics professor at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts said in interview earlier this month.
Trump has already imposed travel bans on 12 countries and added restrictions on seven more. The president is also mulling the possibility of restricting visas for 36 other counties which could further affect fans as well as team staff. While athletes and staff are usually given special visas, some experts fear that Trump’s policies could change quickly. It is unknown what rules would be in place when the tournament kicks off next year.
CNN Brasil reported that the fans of the five-time world champions, and the only nation to have qualified for every single edition of the World Cup, may be among the countries facing either visa restrictions or even a travel ban.
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