Public outrage is mounting as President Trump’s latest travel restrictions threaten to disrupt the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ban affects 75 countries, including 15 nations that have already qualified for the tournament. This has shifted the focus from a historic sporting event to a major geopolitical crisis.
The administration’s immigration policies have created deep uncertainty for global sports fans. While the State Department suggests tourist visas may still be available, supporters fear aggressive enforcement. Concerns are high that the presence of immigration officials could lead to the profiling or arrest of international visitors and players.
Across Europe, calls for a tournament boycott are gaining momentum. Citizens in the Netherlands and the UK are petitioning their teams to withdraw to protest the President’s recent threats against European territories like Greenland. Many fans believe a mass boycott is the only way to challenge the administration’s current foreign policy.
Leadership at FIFA is reportedly facing internal regret after awarding the President a peace prize late last year. Since then, military actions in South America and tensions with Denmark have left officials scrambling. Some European football associations are now holding unofficial talks about a unified response to these diplomatic challenges.
For now, major footballing nations like France and Germany are hesitant to commit to a full boycott, leaving the decision to sports associations. Meanwhile, FIFA has launched an expedited visa system to help fans, though they warned that a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the United States.