The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a major moment for the sport, says a Virginia Tech expert, but attention surrounding this year’s event extends beyond the soccer pitch.
“Numerous factors will make attending this summer’s tournament more challenging,” Patrick Ridge said, citing visa restrictions, travel concerns, disclosure requirements, and high ticket prices.
The event, which kicks off June 11 and features 48 teams from across the globe, is expected to draw more than 5 million visitors to the U.S. It likely marks the final World Cup appearances for Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo while introducing a new generation of stars.
Ridge, associate professor of Spanish whose research focuses primarily on the cultural portrayal of sport in Latin America, noted that some advocacy organizations have issued travel advisories encouraging international visitors to prepare contingency plans before traveling to the United States. Fans from some countries also face travel restrictions or additional visa requirements.
“Regarding players and staff, FIFA has assured that all will be exempt from many of these restrictions, but this status remains uncertain for participants from some nations,” he said. “Soccer’s main governing body continues to negotiate with the U.S. on exemptions for players and staff from the African countries mentioned above.”
Security is also a big focus, and the Federal Aviation Administration has designated World Cup stadiums and surrounding areas as No Drone Zones. Ridge said FIFA enforces strict stadium guidelines that host countries must comply with to ensure fan safety.
“For instance, stadiums hosting matches must feature an outer security perimeter accessible only to ticket holders and authorized personnel,” he said. “These guidelines potentially affect fans hoping to tailgate – perhaps the most popular pregame sporting ritual in the United States.”
Ridge also cited affordability as a storyline at the tournament.
“Exclusive might be the better adjective to describe this World Cup, particularly when considering who will actually get to attend matches and at what price,” Ridge said. “FIFA’s ticketing process for the 2026 World Cup has been notoriously opaque, aggravating the majority of fans hoping to witness a match in person.”
Ridge said fan festivals and public viewing events in host cities will provide alternatives for supporters and that attending an international mega event like the World Cup, whether inside or outside of the stadium, is a meaningful experience for fans.
“These types of sporting events facilitate moments and feelings of shared national belonging, resistance, and empowerment, albeit symbolic,” he said. “Stadiums and surrounding spaces allow people and nations to come together, to be seen and heard, and to celebrate culture.”
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