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Some of the Most Dedicated World Cup Fans Skipping This Year’s Tournament, Citing Costs and Politics
Longtime supporters are cutting back as ticket prices rise to $265 and some travelers face stricter U.S. visa rules, organizers and fans said.
- Dedicated supporters are skipping this summer's World Cup, citing prohibitive ticket prices, expensive travel, and strict U.S. entry requirements. Many describe the 2026 tournament as the least welcoming they have experienced.
- Unlike previous tournaments in Russia and Qatar that streamlined entry, FIFA is encouraging high-priced resale tickets while pocketing 30% in fees. Fans from several African nations previously faced bonds as high as $15,000 for entry.
- London-Based IT worker Mike Wilson, who previously never spent more than $200 on tickets, opted to stay in Europe. Argentine ophthalmologist Emiliano Becerra paid $1,200 for a single group stage match, calling prices 'just not possible.'
- Hotel bookings in U.S. host cities are lower than anticipated, while Uruguayan travel agencies arranged packages for about 3,000 fans. Peter Bergakker refuses to visit, citing President Donald Trump's "hostile" approach toward European allies.
- Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House task force, dismissed concerns Thursday, stating "America welcomes you." Scottish supporters remain determined to attend their team's first World Cup in 28 years.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
The Toronto Star+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Some of the most dedicated World Cup fans skipping this year’s tournament, citing costs and politics
Soccer fans will soon crisscross continents to see their beloved national teams compete on the sport's grandest stage, the World Cup. They'll pack bars and fan zones, singing chants and
·Toronto, Canada
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Associated Press News+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Some of the most dedicated World Cup fans skipping this year's tournament, citing costs and politics
The 2026 World Cup has drawn intense criticism from globe-trotting fans who over the years have helped define the tournament's festive atmosphere.
·New York, United States
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Football fans will soon cross continents to see their beloved national teams compete on the biggest stage of the sport: the World Cup. They will fill bars and amateur areas, sing songs and debate who will win everything.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 33%
11%
Factuality
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