Donald Trump sparks chaos as extreme visa rules threaten Canada’s co-hosting FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming soon, and it’s going to be the biggest one ever. Canada, the United States, and Mexico are co-hosting the tournament from June 11 to July 19, 2026. There will be 104 matches and 48 national teams, more than ever before. But just months before kickoff, political tensions in the United States are raising new worries. Fans and players from around the world may face travel trouble because of U.S. immigration rules under President Donald Trump. Some experts are warning that Trump’s tough immigration policies could make it hard for visitors to cross into the U.S., even for a sports event as big as the World Cup.

Victor Matheson says U.S. immigration rules could hurt fans and players at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Victor Matheson, a sports economics professor at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, said in a July 2025 interview that travel bans and strict border checks could cause serious problems. “You could have immigration problems with fans and players going across borders,” he said.


Trump’s administration already has travel bans on 12 countries and restrictions on seven more. He is also thinking about blocking travelers from 36 other nations, which could affect fans or even team staff. While athletes and staff usually get special visas, many experts say Trump’s policies can change very fast, and no one knows what rules will be in place next year.

Andrew Zimbalist, an economist who wrote a book on the World Cup, also shared his concerns. “Trump might make it hard for people to travel. But even he may not know what he’ll do,” Zimbalist said in an interview this month.

Experts like Tim Elcombe, MacIntosh Ross raise concerns about safety, movement, and image of FIFA World Cup 2026

Tim Elcombe, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, said that the idea of co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada was to show unity. But now, it might become a political problem. “This could be more political than the Qatar World Cup,” Elcombe said.

Also Read: Venezuelan Little League Team Blocked From US Tournament By Donald Trump’s Travel Ban

In early July 2025, human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, wrote a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying U.S. laws under Trump could harm people, especially those who are not U.S. citizens.

MacIntosh Ross, a fellow at Saint Mary’s University, said Canada must speak up to make sure things are safe. “Canadian organizers need to be clear about what they expect from the U.S.,” he said.

With games in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada will host many fans. But most games, including the final, will happen in the U.S. As the countdown to 2026 begins, rising political tensions may cast a shadow over the tournament. What was meant to unite the continent could now face division at the border.

FAQs

1. Will fans have trouble traveling to the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.?

Yes, experts say U.S. travel rules under President Donald Trump could make it hard for some fans to cross the border.

2. Is Canada still co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the U.S. and Mexico?

Yes, Canada is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with the U.S. and Mexico. Games will happen in Toronto and Vancouver.

3. Can political issues affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Yes, U.S. immigration and border rules may cause problems for fans, players, and staff traveling for the tournament.



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