With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin this week across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament is already facing a wave of controversies ranging from visa disputes and travel restrictions to ticketing concerns and organizational challenges.
One of the biggest controversies involves immigration and visa issues affecting fans, officials, and tournament personnel. The situation gained global attention after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Africa’s Referee of the Year and the first Somali official selected for a FIFA World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa. FIFA later confirmed he would miss the tournament.
Concerns have also been raised over U.S. travel restrictions and visa policies, with reports indicating that officials, journalists, supporters, and even some football personnel from certain countries have faced difficulties securing entry permits. Critics argue that the measures could limit access to what is expected to be the most globally attended World Cup in history.
Ticket pricing has emerged as another major issue. Fans across several countries have complained about high ticket costs, accommodation prices, and travel expenses, with some supporters arguing that attending matches has become increasingly unaffordable. Ticket allocation and resale concerns have also generated backlash online.
FIFA has additionally faced criticism over new stadium regulations, including a ban on reusable water bottles inside venues. While FIFA says the decision is based on safety concerns, some supporters and health advocates worry about the impact on fans attending matches in hot weather conditions across several host cities.
Environmental and climate concerns have also resurfaced. Experts have warned that extreme temperatures in some host cities could affect players and supporters, while environmental groups have questioned the sustainability of a tournament expanded to 48 teams and spread across three countries.
Despite the controversies, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence that the tournament will be a historic celebration of football, with billions of viewers expected to follow the competition worldwide. The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 nations and 104 matches.
As kickoff approaches, organizers face mounting pressure to ensure that off-field controversies do not overshadow what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events in history.
