2026 World Cup fears grow as FIFA warned of three key issues that could “undermine” the tournament

Fresh concerns have emerged over whether the 2026 World Cup will live up to expectations.

A new survey has highlighted several major factors that could impact fan attendance and the overall success of the tournament.

U.S. Travel Association survey points to huge concerns at 2026 World Cup

Research from the U.S. Travel Association has flagged safety fears, visa delays and soaring costs as key issues for international supporters considering travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, as per ESPN.

The survey, which included more than 9,500 respondents across ten countries, found that nearly one in four fans are worried about visa processing and border entry into the United States – one of the tournament’s main hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.

Ticket prices have also become a growing concern, with dynamic pricing models leaving fans facing significantly higher costs than expected, while additional expenses such as travel and accommodation continue to rise.

There are also wider logistical worries, including strain on transport infrastructure and uncertainty around demand, with reports suggesting hotel bookings in host cities have not yet reached anticipated levels.

FGG says: Warning signs hard for FIFA to ignore

Individually, these concerns might be manageable, but together, they paint a worrying picture.

High ticket prices, complicated travel logistics and uncertainty around entry requirements risk pricing out or discouraging the very international fanbase that makes a World Cup special.

There’s still time to address some of these issues, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.

For what should be one of the biggest and most accessible tournaments ever, the fear is that poor planning and rising costs could undermine the spectacle, and that’s something FIFA can’t afford to get wrong.