With less than a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada, the United States, and Mexico are navigating significant challenges posed by political tensions and U.S. policy. This upcoming tournament is set to be historic, featuring 48 teams and spanning from June 11 to July 19, with the majority of matches taking place in the U.S. Given the anticipated influx of international fans crossing borders, the enforcement of stringent immigration policies by the Trump administration, including travel bans and immigration raids, raises concerns about access for visitors and participants. Victor Matheson, a sports economics professor, emphasizes that the U.S. is primarily responsible for any resulting complications, noting potential immigration issues for traveling fans and athletes.
The U.S. currently maintains travel bans affecting 12 countries, with restrictions on an additional seven, and the possibility of instituting bans on 36 more countries. While there are exemptions for athletes and their families, the unpredictability of U.S. policies under Trump creates uncertainty for attendees. Economist Andrew Zimbalist points out that while Trump can complicate travel logistics, it remains uncertain whether he will actively pursue these changes. Concerns about visa requirements and political opposition could deter fans from attending, potentially diverting them to Canadian games instead, despite the majority of high-stakes matches being located in the U.S.
Canadian officials project the possibility of up to a million international visitors during the World Cup, stressing the importance of managing travel flow and ensuring safety at the borders. The Canada Border Services Agency is collaborating with governmental departments, host cities, and FIFA to prepare security protocols for the event. Matheson articulates the apprehension many fans harbor, particularly those from countries affected by Trump’s policies, fearing their dream experience might be upended by unanticipated border issues. Such fears underscore the harsh realities fans might face, with the potential of deportation looming large over international attendees seeking a celebratory atmosphere.
Contrary to the initial hope that the tri-national hosting arrangement would ease political tensions, the 2026 tournament may be more politically charged than the previously held World Cup in Qatar. As Canadians exhibit a growing reluctance to travel to the U.S. and curb purchasing American goods due to trade disputes, the ramifications for the World Cup experience remain uncertain. Tim Elcombe, a professor specializing in the interplay of sports and politics, questions whether Canadian enthusiasm for the event will align with its origins as a unifying international spectacle.
Human rights entities have formally expressed concerns about U.S. policies hampering the safety of non-citizens, directly addressing FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Their communication accuses FIFA of disregarding deteriorating rights conditions in the U.S., indicating that criticisms aimed at the host country could also extend to Canada, given its own human rights challenges, particularly regarding Indigenous Peoples. Elcombe stresses the necessity for Canada to assert its expectations from the U.S. as both nations prepare for heightened global scrutiny.
As the tournament approaches, the actions of Infantino—viewed as a supporter of Trump—could heavily influence the unfolding situation. The unpredictability of Trump’s decision-making complicates forecasting potential policy shifts but could lead to unexpected distractions in a politically charged climate. Nonetheless, Zimbalist notes that Trump values his image on the world stage, suggesting that a desire to successfully host the World Cup may deter him from enacting drastic policies that could hinder international participation.
