‘World Cup for them, not us’: fans shut out
Excitement over qualification for the upcoming FIFA World Cup is being overshadowed for thousands of supporters around the world by growing concerns over access to visas and travel restrictions linked to the tournament’s main host nation, the United States.
With the competition set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, many fans from participating countries say securing entry permits has become one of the biggest challenges standing between them and the world’s biggest football event.
Supporters from several African, Middle Eastern and Asian nations have reported difficulties ranging from lengthy visa procedures and high rejection rates to restrictions that make obtaining travel documents increasingly uncertain.
For many fans, the challenge begins long before kick-off. The cost of purchasing match tickets, arranging travel and attending mandatory visa interviews can run into thousands of dollars without any guarantee of approval.
Some supporters have expressed frustration that countries represented at the tournament are not being afforded easier access despite football’s reputation as a global event that brings people together across cultures and borders.
Data cited by international media reports indicate that applicants from a number of World Cup-qualified countries face significantly higher visa refusal rates than the global average. Among the nations reportedly affected are Ghana, Senegal, Haiti, Iran, Algeria, Jordan, Ecuador and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The situation has sparked criticism from football supporters’ groups, some of whom argue that travel barriers risk excluding passionate fans from the tournament atmosphere.
Several fan associations have reportedly abandoned plans to organise group travel packages after concluding that the uncertainty surrounding visa approvals made such arrangements too risky.
Immigration experts note that while FIFA has introduced mechanisms intended to assist ticket holders with visa appointments, those measures do not guarantee approval. Final decisions remain in the hands of immigration authorities, who assess applications individually.
The United States government has defended its screening procedures, maintaining that visa applications undergo detailed security and eligibility checks. Officials insist the country remains prepared to welcome visitors for the tournament while ensuring border and national security requirements are upheld.
The debate has renewed broader discussions about accessibility at major international sporting events and whether host countries should introduce special entry arrangements for accredited supporters, similar to systems used during previous World Cups.
Despite the challenges, many fans continue to pursue travel plans in hopes of witnessing their national teams compete on football’s biggest stage. Others, however, say the combination of costs, restrictions and uncertainty has forced them to abandon dreams of attending the tournament in person.
As preparations for the World Cup gather momentum, the issue of fan access is emerging as one of the competition’s most contentious off-field talking points.
Source: BBC
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