Fifa president Gianni Infantino continues to insist that “the world will be welcome” at next summer’s World Cup.
The men’s tournament will take place mostly in the United States, with matches also in Canada and Mexico.
Infantino earlier declared, “We’ll bring the world to the United States of America. The world loves America.”
However, growing unrest and political division have cast doubt on that promise.
Rising violence, troop deployments ordered by President Donald Trump, and stricter immigration policies have deepened the tension.
As fans plan trips and ticket sales open, concerns about access, pricing, and safety keep mounting.
Ticket Prices Ignite Global Fan Backlash
More than 4.5 million fans entered a draw to buy the first batch of tickets last week.
Fifa’s pricing model immediately triggered outrage among supporters and analysts worldwide.
Fifa has not officially released a complete price list, but successful buyers shared figures online.
Opening match tickets in the USA range between $560 (£417) and $2,235 (£1,662).
In Qatar 2022, prices for the first match started at $55 (£41) and topped at $618 (£460).
The cheapest 2026 final ticket costs $2,030 (£1,510), while the most expensive reaches $6,000 (£4,462).
Hospitality seats will cost even more once released.
Only a small number of early-round tickets in minor venues sell for about $60 (£44).
Fifa will also impose 15% resale fees on both buyers and sellers via its official platform.
Fans called the prices excessive and damaging to football’s global community.
Thomas Concannon of England’s Fans’ Embassy said, “These prices are astonishing and completely unreasonable.”
He added that attending all games could cost over $3,000 (£2,363), excluding travel and lodging.
Analysts say Fifa’s “dynamic pricing” policy could push ticket costs even higher for high-demand games.
Ticketing expert Scott Friedman argued the model favors Americans who can buy last-minute resale tickets.
He warned that the system “locks out international fans and limits global access to the event.”
Visa Delays Threaten International Attendance
During the original World Cup bid, Trump promised that all qualified fans and athletes could enter the US freely.
Citizens of 42 territories, including the UK and EU nations, can visit visa-free through the Visa Waiver Program.
They must apply via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, which typically responds within 72 hours.
However, fans from many Asian, African, and South American countries must secure traditional visas.
Unlike Qatar or Russia, the US has not introduced a fast-track visa process for World Cup visitors.
Applicants face standard screening procedures, including interviews and social media background checks.
Some wait more than a year for an appointment, risking rejection or missing the tournament entirely.
The State Department pledged to add embassy staff to accelerate approvals but offered no specific timeline.
Former diplomat Travis Murphy said, “We’re still far from ready to welcome the world.”
He criticized increased travel restrictions and inconsistent visa enforcement under the current administration.
Murphy added, “The perception that visitors aren’t welcome could hurt future global events in the US.”
