For many football fans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a bittersweet affair, marked by exclusion and travel bans. While the tournament has welcomed new nations like Cabo Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Curaçao, the journey to the event hasn't been equal for all. The inequalities in travel and entry requirements have created a stark divide between those who can attend and those who cannot, with supporters from about a quarter of qualifying nations facing significant barriers. This disparity is not just a logistical issue but a reflection of broader geopolitical tensions and immigration policies. In my opinion, this highlights a deeper problem with the World Cup's global ambitions, where the benefits of expansion are not equally distributed.
One particularly poignant story is that of Mustafa al Saadi, a 32-year-old laboratory technician from Mosul, Iraq. Al Saadi and his friends had planned to travel to the United States to watch Iraq's match against France. However, al Saadi's visa application was still pending as he watched the match in Mosul, while his friends entered the stadium in Philadelphia. This situation underscores the frustration and disappointment felt by many fans who are unable to travel due to visa issues. It also raises questions about the accessibility of the World Cup for fans from countries with less developed consular services, like Iraq.
The inequalities in travel and entry requirements are not just a logistical issue but a reflection of broader geopolitical tensions and immigration policies. For instance, supporters from Haiti, subject to US travel restrictions under the Trump administration, were noticeably absent from the stands in Boston, where Haiti and Scotland returned to the World Cup stage for the first time in decades. In contrast, tens of thousands of Scottish supporters, clad in kilts and led by bagpipers, filled the streets, creating a vibrant and loud atmosphere. This stark contrast in attendance highlights the impact of immigration policies on the World Cup experience.
The World Cup, traditionally a celebration of football and unity, has been overshadowed by these travel bans and entry restrictions. For those who couldn't make the journey, the tournament unfolded in hometown fan zones and diaspora communities. In Mosul, hundreds gathered to watch Iraq's first World Cup match in four decades, and in Brockton, Massachusetts, Cabo Verdean supporters celebrated their team's draw against Spain. However, these celebrations were not equal, with Cabo Verde fans significantly outnumbered by Spanish supporters, reflecting the financial disparities in travel.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that US immigration policies could undermine access to the World Cup, calling for a 'massive rethink' of enforcement to protect 'human rights and human dignity'. The Trump administration's requirement for some visitors from 50 countries to post visa bonds of up to $15,000, and the suspension of routine consular services in Iraq, have made the visa process more complicated and less accessible. This has led to many fans, like Assane Ly from Dakar, Senegal, being unable to attend the World Cup and missing out on the opportunity to build bonds with fans of other teams.
The World Cup, in my view, should be a moment when geopolitics are on hold, and the host country welcomes people from all nationalities, skin colours, and religions to come together to celebrate football. However, the travel bans and entry restrictions have created a divide, with some fans feeling excluded and others celebrating their team's success in their hometowns. This raises a deeper question about the role of the World Cup in promoting global unity and inclusivity, and the need for more equitable travel and entry requirements.
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup has been a mixed bag for football fans, with excitement and celebration in some places and disappointment and exclusion in others. The inequalities in travel and entry requirements have created a stark divide, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to the World Cup's global ambitions. It is my hope that future World Cups will be more accessible and welcoming to all fans, regardless of their nationality or financial status.
