On June 11, the world’s attention will shift to the United States, Canada, and Mexico as the FIFA World Cup kicks off. However, uncertainty looms over the tournament, with issues such as U.S. immigration laws, high ticket costs, and visa difficulties dominating discussions instead of the competition itself. As they say in American football, the players are on the scrimmage line waiting for the ball to roll, but things are not as they should be.
With less than a week to the kickoff, fans are unsure what to expect in North America, particularly in the United States. FIFA and the host nations face criticism over social, political, and logistical challenges surrounding the global event.
Geopolitical Tensions and Security Concerns
Canada and Mexico co-host the tournament with the United States, which, alongside Israel, launched a war on World Cup participant Iran on February 28. Although a fragile ceasefire is in place, Iran’s participation remains uncertain. FIFA is working to minimize contact between the warring nations, but fans in all three host countries are outraged over exorbitant ticket prices that have dampened sales and interest.
Transport fare hikes on routes connecting match venues in the U.S. add to the concerns. Additionally, the outbreak of Ebola in parts of East Africa raises questions about fans from DR Congo and other regions entering the United States. Iran recently secured an agreement with Mexico and FIFA to move their team base from the U.S. to Mexico to avoid friction with Donald Trump’s administration, but they still face safety concerns as their opening three games are on American soil.
Contrast with 1994 World Cup
The lead-up to the 2026 World Cup differs significantly from the 1994 edition hosted by the United States, which was considered one of the best. While both tournaments faced geopolitical tensions and doubts about the U.S. political climate, 2026 involves unprecedented logistical complexity due to its three-nation footprint, an expanded 48-team format, and intense security and travel uncertainties linked to Middle Eastern conflicts and immigration policies.
Although racial tensions affected the 1994 World Cup, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities ahead of this edition have raised doubts about the championship reaching FIFA’s projected heights. Many observers predict this could be the least-attended World Cup since the expansion from 24 to 36 teams in 1998. This year, for the first time, 48 countries will compete.
Immigration Policies and Fan Safety
The Trump administration’s push for mass deportation and tighter legal immigration pathways has sparked concerns that international audiences might be targeted by U.S. immigration authorities. The U.S. assured FIFA it would halt ICE raids during the World Cup, but similar assurances during the FIFA Club World Cup last year were not fully honored, as agents were present at matches.
Transportation is another area of uncertainty, with fans potentially paying heavily to travel between venues. In previous World Cups, accreditation tags guaranteed free rides in host cities, but that may change in North America. Reports indicate that train ride costs in certain U.S. parts have doubled, forcing fans to pay more than usual.
Sky-high match ticket prices have also outraged fans and excluded supporters. FIFA initially sold tickets in December at prices ranging from $140 for Category 3 in the first round to $8,680 for the final. Later, prices rose to as high as $10,990 when sales reopened on April 1. The North American bid initially promised tickets as low as $21, but the cheapest now costs $60, with most tickets for higher-ranked teams costing at least $200.
Security Incidents in Mexico
World Cup co-host Mexico faces scrutiny over fan safety after a lone attacker opened fire on tourists near the capital, killing one Canadian tourist and injuring 13 others at the Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to beef up security, stating that the government must take measures to prevent a recurrence.
Challenges for Nigerian Fans
Nigerian fans face additional hurdles due to the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the tournament. Obtaining visas to enter host countries is difficult. The U.S. administration initially required a $15,000 deposit for World Cup attendees, refundable upon return, but later exempted fans from 50 countries with valid match tickets. The bond requirement, introduced last year, aimed to reduce visa overstays. Additionally, tourists from dozens of countries may need to provide five years of social media history for entry, a policy that rights groups warn could lead to denied entry, arrest risks, and racial profiling.
Economic and Sporting Impact of Nigeria’s Absence
The 2026 World Cup kicks off without the star-studded Super Eagles, despite Africa fielding ten teams. This is Nigeria’s second consecutive miss. The tournament offers global exposure for players and economic benefits for the country. Sponsorships, advertisements, and merchandising that thrive when Nigeria participates are now absent. During the Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 World Cups, the Super Eagles enjoyed goodwill from breweries and telecom giants; now, they bear the brunt of failure.
Established stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi miss a chance to enhance their global reputation and market value. Only three current players—Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, and Alex Iwobi—have featured at a World Cup. Stars like Osimhen, Lookman, Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey may never get another opportunity, as the next World Cup in 2030 could see them past their prime.
Financially, Nigeria lost the opportunity to earn prize money. Each qualified nation receives at least $9 million in prize money, plus $1.5 million for preparation costs. Nigeria’s failure shut the door on a guaranteed $10.5 million (about N15.5 billion) for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), representing nearly 87% of its projected yearly budget. Historically, the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014, and could have earned $16.5 million by matching that performance.
Beyond players and technical crew, delegates from the NFF, National Sports Commission, senators, and others who expected estacode and commercial benefits are also affected. Many Nigerian fans and supporters club members who planned to use the World Cup to relocate to Canada or the U.S. are now disappointed.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Paul Okoku described Nigeria’s absence as a national football tragedy. Edema Fuludu, a member of the 1994 World Cup squad, noted that star players lost a platform to showcase their talents, and the media and advertisement companies in Nigeria are also losing out due to the team’s absence.
