The upcoming FIFA World Cup has already delivered historic moments in qualification. In Kingston, Curaçao became the smallest nation ever to reach the finals after holding Jamaica to a goalless draw. Haiti also secured its first appearance in 50 years with a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua, despite being unable to host matches due to ongoing conflict at home.
Europe witnessed dramatic scenes as Scotland qualified for the first time since 1998, defeating Denmark 4-2 in a match filled with spectacular goals, including Scott McTominay’s overhead kick and Kenny McLean’s last-second strike from midfield. In Budapest, Troy Parrott’s hat-trick against Hungary propelled the Republic of Ireland into the play-offs, though their campaign ended in the semi-finals. The final six qualifiers will be decided through European play-offs and intercontinental clashes, with the tournament set to be staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has promised record attendance, projecting up to 10 million visitors. Yet many fans face barriers. U.S. travel restrictions under President Donald Trump have complicated visa access for supporters from countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti. A controversial “Visa Bond Pilot Program” requires deposits of up to $15,000 from travelers from several nations, including first-time qualifiers Cape Verde.
Ticket pricing has also sparked outrage. FIFA introduced limited $60 tickets for “loyal fans,” but Football Supporters Europe (FSE) filed a formal complaint with the European Commission, citing unfair practices. The group accused FIFA of inflated prices, misleading advertising, and monopolizing resale markets by charging double fees. The cheapest ticket for the 2026 final is reportedly seven times higher than its 2022 equivalent.
Concerns extend to match conditions. Last year’s Club World Cup exposed issues with poor playing surfaces, drawing criticism from players and coaches. High temperatures across U.S. venues forced hydration breaks, now mandated for all matches. While some welcome the measure, others argue it caters to television advertising. Weather disruptions remain a risk, with lightning protocols causing lengthy delays during previous tournaments.
Security remains a pressing issue. ICE, the U.S. immigration agency, plans to play a central role in World Cup operations, sparking fears among immigrant communities. A proposed “Save the World Cup” bill seeks to ban ICE raids near stadiums. Violence in Mexico has also raised alarms, particularly in Jalisco following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the deployment of 100,000 security personnel to protect fans.
International tensions further complicate preparations. The U.S. conflict with Iran has escalated, leading to soaring oil prices and uncertainty over Iran’s participation. The country’s sports minister has declared it “not possible” to compete, though FIFA insists assurances have been given that Iran will be welcome. Infantino continues to emphasize the unifying power of football, despite the risk that a qualified nation may be excluded due to war.
