In just six months, the eyes of the sporting world will turn to East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will crown a new champion on 19 July. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a logistical behemoth spanning 16 cities. Yet, as the countdown begins, significant challenges around accessibility, cost, and politics are coming sharply into focus.
Soaring Ticket Prices Spark Outcry
The dream of attending football's greatest spectacle is proving prohibitively expensive for many fans. FIFA has implemented a dynamic pricing model for the first time at a World Cup, causing ticket prices to skyrocket based on demand. A recent analysis revealed that tickets for the final are up to nine times more expensive than for the 2022 final in Qatar, after adjusting for inflation, with the cheapest seats seeing the steepest rises.
FIFA boasts of immense demand, with over 500 million ticket requests in the latest sales phase following the December draw. However, this has led to a fierce backlash. In response to protests, including a petition from New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, FIFA has pledged that 1.6% of tickets for each match will be priced at a $60 minimum. The organisation also operates its own resale platform, charging a 15% fee to both buyers and sellers, arguing the revenue funds global football development.
A Travel Marathon Across North America
Navigating the 2026 World Cup will be a Herculean task for travelling supporters. The tournament's sheer geographic scale means fans face a triple challenge: international travel, inter-city journeys, and local transport in car-centric host cities, particularly in the US.
Immigration presents a major hurdle. While entry to Canada and Mexico is relatively straightforward for most qualified nations, the United States' volatile policies are a concern. Donald Trump's travel bans currently target citizens from four qualified nations: Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire. While athletes and officials are exempt, fans from these countries may struggle to obtain visas. A new fast-track system promises visa interview appointments within six to eight weeks, but entry is not guaranteed.
Flights and accommodation costs have surged, and the distances between venues are vast. One team from UEFA Playoff A could travel over 3,100 miles in the group stage alone, from Toronto to Los Angeles to Seattle. US officials have suggested fans undertake road trips, an impractical solution for many following the tournament live.
Tournament Format and Political Shadows
The expanded 48-team format will change the tournament's dynamic, with 32 teams progressing from the group stage. This may reduce early pressure but adds an extra knockout round, potentially increasing drama later on.
However, the event is unfolding under a significant political cloud. Former US President Donald Trump, a recent recipient of a FIFA peace prize, has instituted the travel bans affecting fans. His administration's policies, including the deployment of federal forces in cities and derogatory comments about many competing nations, raise questions about the welcome awaiting international visitors. The potential impact on the fan experience remains one of the tournament's great uncertainties.
With the final at MetLife Stadium now on the horizon, the 2026 World Cup is set to be a tournament of record scale, record costs, and unprecedented logistical and political complexity.
