Delays, Distrust & Dynamic Prices: Just How ‘Welcoming’ Will the 2026 World Cup Be?

Despite Fifa’s Promises, Rising Costs, Visa Hurdles & Political Tensions Threaten Fan Experience

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly claimed that “the world will be welcome” at the 2026 men’s World Cup, primarily hosted in the United States. But as kickoff approaches, growing unease surrounds whether the tournament will live up to that promise.

With political divisions, visa complications, and sky-high ticket prices, many are questioning if the event will be truly global or primarily tailored for local audiences and wealthy travellers.

Soaring Ticket Prices Spark Global Outrage

Fifa’s initial ticket rollout drew massive backlash after fans waited in digital queues only to face eye-watering prices:

• Opening match tickets in the U.S. cost between $560 and $2,235

• The 2026 final has a starting price of $2,030, soaring up to $6,000

• Some cheaper seats ($60) exist — but they represent a tiny fraction of the allocation

On top of this, Fifa will apply a 15% fee on both buyer and seller for tickets resold via its platform.

“This will be the most expensive World Cup for match-going fans we’ve ever seen,” said Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters Association.

Adding fuel to the fire is dynamic pricing, which allows Fifa to raise prices based on demand — a model that disproportionately favors U.S.-based buyers, who can purchase tickets closer to matchday without international travel constraints.

Visa System: A Wall, Not a Welcome?

The 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey will host the final of the 2026 World Cup

While fans from 42 countries, including the UK and EU, can use the Visa Waiver Program, millions from Africa, Asia, and South America must endure the full U.S. visa process — which includes:

• Long interview wait times (up to a year for some nations)

• No fast-track system like in Qatar or Russia

• Scrutiny of social media and political activity

• Opaque embassy staffing updates from the U.S. State Department

“We have a long way to go before we’re ready to welcome the world,” said Travis Murphy, a former U.S. diplomat and visa specialist.

The current visa uncertainty could block passionate fans from qualified nations from even entering the U.S.

Security & Politics: A Volatile Mix

The current wait time for a US visa interview, in which applicants have to convince an individual official that their visit should be permitted, is up to 15 months in Colombia

The U.S. has witnessed over 500 mass shootings in 2024 and rising political violence in 2025, including multiple assassinations.

President Donald Trump, back in office, has:

• Deployed National Guard troops to Democrat-led cities (including World Cup hosts like Los Angeles)

• Ordered ICE deportation crackdowns, triggering protests

• Threatened to relocate matches from “unsafe cities”

“There’s anger, there’s disruption, and there’s easy access to firearms — it’s not a great mix,” warned Daniel Byman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

With the Department of Homeland Security and FBI facing budget and staff cuts, experts question if the U.S. can guarantee safety while maintaining an open and festive tournament atmosphere.

The Verdict: Most Expensive, Most Restrictive World Cup?

Fifa’s ambition for a truly global 2026 tournament is under threat from the very nation set to host most of its matches.

• Fans are being priced out before they even reach the stadium

• Visa barriers may shut out supporters from key footballing nations

• Domestic political turmoil and security fears could cast a shadow over the event

Whether the 2026 World Cup becomes a celebration of global unity or a case study in logistical exclusion remains to be seen.