The United States has imposed travel restrictions that are drawing sharp criticism from international football fans, who accuse Washington of turning the 2026 World Cup into an event for American citizens only. The measures, which include tightened visa requirements and increased security checks for visitors from certain countries, have been described by supporters as exclusionary and contrary to the spirit of the tournament.
Speaking from London, a spokesperson for the Football Supporters Europe group said: “The World Cup belongs to the world. These travel bans send a message that the tournament is for them, not us.” The group has reported a surge in complaints from fans who have had visa applications rejected or delayed without clear explanation.
The US Department of Homeland Security defended the measures, stating that national security requires a rigorous vetting process. “The safety of all participants and spectators is our paramount concern,” a department statement read. “Enhanced screening is a necessary precaution for a global event of this magnitude.”
However, critics point to similar restrictions imposed during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which also faced allegations of discrimination. “History repeats itself,” said Dr. Elena Marchetti, a political analyst at the University of Oxford. “Host nations often use security as a pretext to limit access, but the optics are particularly damaging for the US, which positions itself as a leader in openness and soft power.”
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. While Canada and Mexico have not implemented parallel travel bans, US consulates in several countries have reported a significant increase in visa processing times, leaving fans uncertain about their ability to attend matches.
In response to the backlash, the US State Department has pledged to review the procedures, but has offered no timeline for changes. A spokesperson for the US Soccer Federation expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved before the tournament kicks off, though many fans remain sceptical.
The controversy threatens to overshadow the build-up to the first World Cup to be held across three nations. For a country that has long championed the unifying power of sport, the travel restrictions risk undermining its ambitions to project an image of inclusive global leadership.
