July 23, 2025
World-Cup-2026

…U.S. visa, rights issues may push 2026 games to Canada

By Lawrence Akpan

In a potential shake-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting plans, global football’s governing body, FIFA is reportedly considering moving several matches from the United States to Canada due to mounting concerns over visa restrictions and human rights policies.

Sources within FIFA suggest that the organization is growing uneasy about the bureaucratic hurdles international fans, teams, and officials might face under current U.S. immigration policies. Coupled with recent criticism of America’s human rights record, Canada seen as a more accessible and politically neutral co-host is emerging as a viable alternative for key fixtures.

If implemented, the shift could significantly alter the tournament’s dynamics and raise questions about the readiness of all host nations to deliver a truly inclusive global event.

Human rights groups and fan associations have raised alarms over visa restrictions that currently affect nationals from up to 43 countries, making travel into the U.S. nearly impossible for fans, media personnel, and team support staff.

The issue is particularly acute for qualified nations like Iran, whose teams may play without any fan presence in the stands due to their citizens being unable to secure U.S. entry visas. The situation has sparked outrage among supporters and advocates, who accuse FIFA of undermining its own principles of “access and non-discrimination.”

“FIFA risks contradicting its own statutes and public commitments to human rights, accessibility, and inclusion,” one observer noted, citing the organization’s obligation to avoid “any situation giving rise to a conflict of interests.”

Critics argue that by allowing the U.S. to impose stringent travel restrictions during a supposedly global event, FIFA is enabling an environment of exclusion and inequity.

While the U.S. remains a financial powerhouse and a key commercial partner in the joint hosting arrangement with Mexico and Canada, insiders say Canada is emerging as the “most logical” alternative. Canada offers political neutrality, logistical readiness, and a stable immigration policy that aligns more closely with FIFA’s stated values.

With just under a year to go before the 2026 tournament kicks off, FIFA is under increasing pressure to act decisively. A potential relocation of matches could mark a seismic shift in tournament logistics and planning, but would underscore FIFA’s willingness to uphold its principles in the face of political pressure.

FIFA has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

48 thoughts on “FIFA mulls World Cup shift

  1. You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  2. I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *