The 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing a major crisis as nearly 17,000 fans canceled their tickets overnight, citing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s policies and safety issues. The cancellations are reportedly linked to Trump’s escalating conflict with Venezuela and travel bans imposed on several countries, including some participating in the World Cup.
The affected countries include Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti, whose fans are worried about being unable to attend matches in the US due to travel restrictions. FIFA has called an emergency meeting to address the situation, including fan safety concerns and reputational risks.
The US State Department has clarified that the travel ban only applies to immigrant visas, not tourist or business visas, which most World Cup attendees will use. However, fans remain concerned about the broader political climate and potential safety risks.
The boycott has gained traction on social media, with activists and fans expressing solidarity and urging others to cancel their trips. Prominent figures, including Lebanese diplomat Mohamad Safa and Ajamu Baraka, have publicly announced their decision to boycott the tournament.
FIFA has introduced a “FIFA PASS” program to streamline visa applications for international fans, but it’s unclear if this will alleviate concerns. The organization has received a record-breaking 500 million ticket requests, but the cancellations and boycott threats pose a significant challenge to the tournament’s success.
