High costs, visa challenges dampen excitement ahead of 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but soaring travel costs, expensive match tickets, and visa challenges have tempered the level of enthusiasm many expected ahead of the tournament.

As the first World Cup to feature 48 teams gets underway, tourism and hospitality stakeholders in several host cities are reporting lower-than-anticipated visitor numbers, prompting concerns about the economic impact of the month-long competition.

One of the biggest obstacles for fans has been the cost of attending matches. While FIFA has made a limited number of lower-priced tickets available, many supporters have complained about high prices on resale platforms, particularly for matches involving top teams and games scheduled at major venues.

Travel expenses have also increased significantly in recent months, with higher airfare and accommodation costs making it more difficult for international supporters to travel to North America for the tournament. Industry observers say the rising cost of travel has affected fan turnout from several traditional football markets.

Tourism operators in some host cities had projected a major influx of visitors during the World Cup. However, revised forecasts suggest hotel occupancy and tourism spending may fall short of earlier expectations, leading some hotels to adjust room rates to attract additional guests.

Visa-related challenges have further complicated travel plans for supporters from several countries. Fan groups and travel organizers have reported delays in visa processing and difficulties securing travel approvals, raising concerns about reduced attendance from some participating nations.

The issue has been particularly significant for supporters travelling from parts of Africa and other regions where obtaining U.S. visas can be a lengthy process. Some fan associations have expressed frustration that administrative hurdles prevented many supporters from attending the tournament.

Domestically, the World Cup is also competing for attention in a crowded American sports landscape. The tournament coincides with major events in other professional sports, creating stiff competition for television audiences and media coverage.

Despite the slower-than-expected buildup, organizers remain optimistic that interest will increase as the tournament progresses and the knockout stages approach. Officials believe high-profile fixtures and strong performances from leading teams could drive greater attendance and fan engagement in the coming weeks.

The challenges facing the tournament highlight the complexities of hosting a global sporting event across three countries, where travel logistics, affordability, and immigration requirements play a significant role in shaping the fan experience.

While the 2026 World Cup remains a historic event due to its expanded format and record participation, its opening days have underscored the impact that economic pressures and travel restrictions can have on global sporting celebrations.