Tough US immigration policies are casting a shadow over the vision of an inclusive and globally celebrated 2026 FIFA World Cup. Experts warn that strict border controls could discourage foreign fans from attending, disrupt cross-border logistics, and damage North America’s image as a welcoming region.
The 2026 tournament will be the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the event is expected to draw massive crowds, analysts believe harsh US travel restrictions may significantly alter the tournament’s international character.
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Experts Warn of Impact on Global Attendance
Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts who specializes in mega sporting events, said US border policies will most directly affect international fans — particularly those from countries targeted by Washington’s travel bans.
“The fears of players are probably not justified, but the fears of fans are fully justified,” Matheson explained.
As of June, the US government has imposed full travel bans on citizens from 12 countries and partial restrictions on travelers from seven others. A State Department memo also reveals that 36 more nations are under review. If they fail to meet US security and information-sharing standards in the next 60 days, they could face similar bans.
Despite these restrictions, Matheson predicts stadiums will still sell out. However, the makeup of the crowd could change dramatically.
“I expect every game to be a sellout in all three countries,” he said. “But the stadiums will be full of Americans rather than foreign tourists. The number of fans from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America will be much lower than it would have been under a different policy regime.”
This shift could carry economic consequences. According to Matheson, foreign visitors often deliver the largest positive economic boost to host countries during mega events. Without them, local businesses — from hotels to restaurants — could miss out on billions in potential spending.
Cross-Border Coordination Could Suffer
Hosting matches in three countries requires smooth coordination, including the movement of fans, teams, and merchandise across borders. Matheson believes US policies could complicate that process.
“Strict entry rules are likely to slow the movement of fans and even interfere with the transport of merchandise across national borders,” he said.
Beyond logistics, the reputational damage may be even more lasting.
“There is no doubt that (former US President Donald) Trump’s actions have worsened the image of the United States in every way,” Matheson argued. “That includes its reputation as a welcoming place for visitors. He has made it clear that foreign visitors, foreign students, foreign companies, and immigrants should stay away.”
While he does not believe this negativity will spill over to Canada or Mexico, Matheson insists that the US risks alienating the very global audience the World Cup is meant to unite.
Security or Politics?
When asked whether such policies strike the right balance between national security and global openness, Matheson was direct.
“There are legitimate security concerns during any mega event,” he acknowledged, citing past Olympic incidents. “But this has nothing to do with real security. There’s no genuine threat to the US from countries like Haiti or Equatorial Guinea.”
Instead, Matheson believes the current restrictions are politically driven.
“The ban on fans from certain countries is pure xenophobia,” he claimed. “The administration fears that some soccer fans might overstay their visas.”
He pointed out that in many countries, most illegal migration occurs not through people sneaking across borders but by overstaying legal visas. Restricting entry in the first place, he said, is one way to prevent that.
Concerns from Canada
Canadian experts are also voicing concerns over the impact of US border policies on the jointly hosted event.
“From Canada’s perspective, recent US immigration and border policies pose significant challenges for co-hosting the World Cup,” said Amy Peng, associate professor of economics at Toronto Metropolitan University.
“These issues go beyond logistics. They affect international perception, the fan experience, and even human rights,” she added.
Peng explained that strict travel bans or intense scrutiny at the US border could discourage fans from attending, even if their teams are playing in Canada. For many, traveling to the US is part of their World Cup itinerary.
“Heightened US border enforcement could make cross-border travel unpredictable, potentially ruining what is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” she said. “Some fans may opt to only attend Canadian matches, creating an imbalance in attendance between host countries.”
Economic and Trade Ripples
Beyond fan travel, Peng warned that US trade policies — including tariffs on Canadian goods — could also affect the tournament. The movement of merchandise such as jerseys, equipment, and promotional materials could become more costly and complicated.
If these challenges persist, they could lead to supply delays, reduced availability of official merchandise, and higher prices for fans.
A Test of North American Unity
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was designed to showcase North America’s ability to collaborate on a global stage, highlighting unity and diversity. However, experts warn that divisive immigration rules threaten that spirit.
While Canada and Mexico are expected to maintain more open travel policies, the United States’ role as the largest host nation means its rules will shape the tournament’s overall accessibility.
If current restrictions remain in place, the event may be remembered not only for the matches but also for the fans who couldn’t attend.
As Matheson summed up, “The World Cup should be a celebration of the global game. If we turn it into a domestic event with only a limited international presence, we lose part of what makes it special.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why could US border policies affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada?
US immigration restrictions may discourage international fans from traveling through the US to attend matches in Canada, impacting attendance and the event’s global inclusivity.
Which countries are currently affected by US travel bans?
As of now, the US has fully banned travel from 12 countries and imposed partial restrictions on travelers from seven others, with 36 more under review.
Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup still see full stadiums?
Experts predict most matches will sell out, but audiences will likely be dominated by domestic fans rather than international visitors.
How might this impact Canada’s role as a co-host?
Strict US border policies could push more fans to attend Canadian matches while deterring cross-border travel, creating uneven attendance between host nations.
Could US trade policies also affect the World Cup?
Yes. Tariffs and trade restrictions could disrupt the flow of merchandise and supplies, impacting the availability of official goods.
Is the issue driven by security concerns or politics?
Analysts argue the policies are more politically motivated than security-based, with fears about visa overstays influencing decisions.
Will Canada and Mexico face similar criticism?
Most experts believe negative perceptions will focus on the US, as Canada and Mexico maintain more open travel and immigration policies.
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was envisioned as a celebration of unity, diversity, and global connection across North America. However, the United States’ strict immigration and border policies risk undermining that spirit, particularly for Canada as a co-host. While stadiums will likely sell out, the reduced presence of international fans could weaken the tournament’s global atmosphere and economic benefits. Beyond logistics and trade disruptions, the reputational impact may be even more damaging, reinforcing perceptions of division rather than inclusivity.
