New survey reveals safety concerns, visa complications and soaring costs threaten to keep thousands away from 2026 tournament
The 2026 World Cup faces an unprecedented challenge as international football fans express serious reservations about travelling to the United States, with a new survey revealing that safety concerns, visa complications and high costs could dramatically reduce foreign attendance at FIFA's flagship tournament.
The findings threaten to undermine what should be football's greatest showcase, potentially creating a World Cup lacking the diverse international atmosphere that defines the tournament and impacts everything from match-day revenues to betting market dynamics.
The United States visa system presents a formidable barrier that previous World Cup hosts have rarely matched. Unlike tournaments in Russia, Brazil or Qatar, where visa processes were streamlined for football fans, the US maintains its standard immigration procedures regardless of the sporting event.
Fans from Africa, Asia and South America face the steepest challenges. Tourist visa applications require extensive documentation, proof of funds, and in-person interviews at US embassies that may be hundreds of miles away.
The process typically takes months, costs hundreds of dollars, and offers no guarantee of approval. For supporters of teams that qualify through playoffs, the timeline becomes nearly impossible.
Russia 2018 introduced a Fan ID system that served as a visa, allowing ticket holders to enter the country without traditional visa applications. Qatar 2022 implemented similar measures, waiving visa requirements for match ticket holders from most nations.
The US has shown no indication of adopting comparable facilitation measures, leaving fans to navigate a system designed to restrict rather than welcome visitors.
Beyond visa hurdles, the survey highlights how personal safety concerns dominate international fans' thinking about US travel. America's reputation for gun violence, particularly mass shootings, creates genuine fear among potential visitors from countries where such incidents remain virtually unknown.
International perceptions of US safety have shifted dramatically:
These safety concerns compound with astronomical projected costs. Early estimates suggest:
The survey specifically mentions US government policies as a deterrent. Immigration rhetoric, travel bans affecting certain nations, and high-profile incidents at borders shape international perceptions of American hospitality.
For fans from Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions targeted by restrictive policies, the message seems clear: you might not be welcome.
A World Cup without robust international fan presence would be unprecedented in the modern era. The implications ripple across sporting and commercial dimensions.
World Cups thrive on cultural exchange in the stands. Brazilian drums, Argentine songs, and African vuvuzelas create the soundtrack that distinguishes these tournaments from regular international matches.
Empty seats or stands filled predominantly with local casual fans fundamentally alter the product, potentially affecting:
For betting operators, reduced international attendance introduces new variables. Home advantage typically decreases during World Cups as neutral venues level the playing field. But if US stadiums fill primarily with American fans for CONCACAF matches, traditional models may not apply.
Market dynamics could shift with:
FIFA and US organisers face mounting pressure to address these concerns before they crystallise into empty seats and diminished atmosphere. The 2025 Club World Cup in the United States offers a preview opportunity, though its smaller scale limits meaningful comparison.
Without intervention on visa processes, safety messaging, or cost controls, the 2026 World Cup risks becoming the most exclusive in history - not by design, but by default. For a tournament expanding to 48 teams to increase global participation, keeping global fans away would represent a fundamental failure of the hosting model.
Will the 2026 World Cup have fewer international fans than previous tournaments?
Current survey data suggests international attendance could be significantly lower than recent World Cups. The combination of strict US visa requirements, safety concerns, and high travel costs creates more barriers than fans faced travelling to Russia, Brazil, or Qatar.
How much will it cost to attend World Cup matches in the United States?
Total costs for international visitors could reach $10,000-15,000 for a two-week stay. This includes flights to the US, domestic travel between host cities, accommodation at $400+ per night, match tickets, food, and local transport.
Which fans face the biggest challenges getting US visas for the World Cup?
Supporters from Africa, Asia, and South America face the most difficult visa processes. They must provide extensive documentation, attend in-person embassy interviews, and pay substantial fees with no guarantee of approval, unlike the simplified systems used in recent World Cups.
Are US stadiums safe for international football fans?
While major sporting events in the US typically have strong security, international fans express concern about America's gun violence rates. The US records over 600 mass shootings annually, creating safety perceptions that don't exist for tournaments in other countries.
Will FIFA make special visa arrangements for the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA has not announced any special visa facilitation measures with US authorities. Unlike Russia's Fan ID or Qatar's ticket-holder visa waivers, fans must navigate standard US tourist visa procedures, which can take months and cost hundreds of dollars.
How will empty seats affect the World Cup atmosphere?
Reduced international attendance would fundamentally change the World Cup experience. The tournament's unique atmosphere comes from diverse fan cultures mixing in stadiums. Without Brazilian drums, Argentine chants, and other international supporters, matches risk feeling like regular domestic games.
What can fans do if they're worried about travelling to the US?
Fans should start visa applications immediately if planning to attend, research safety measures in host cities, and budget significantly more than for previous World Cups. Some may choose to support their teams by watching in their home countries or travelling only to matches in Canada or Mexico.
Will betting odds be affected by fewer travelling fans?
Yes, betting markets could see unusual patterns. Traditional World Cup models assume neutral venues, but if stadiums fill primarily with American fans for CONCACAF matches, home advantage calculations change. This could affect match odds and create unexpected value in certain markets.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting advice.
International fans cite three primary concerns: personal safety fears related to gun violence, complex US visa requirements that take months to process, and extremely high projected costs for accommodation and travel.
Unlike Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 which streamlined visa processes for football fans, the US maintains standard immigration procedures requiring extensive documentation, proof of funds, and in-person embassy interviews. Previous hosts offered Fan ID systems that served as visas for ticket holders.
International fans express genuine fear about America's gun violence, particularly mass shootings, with the US recording over 600 mass shootings annually. Many potential visitors come from countries where such incidents are virtually unknown.
Early estimates suggest average hotel rates in host cities could exceed $400 per night during the tournament. Combined with visa costs, flights, and other expenses, the total cost could be prohibitive for many international fans.
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