Concerns Over Travel Impacting World Cup Attendance

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, concerns regarding personal safety, visa processing, and ticket prices are influencing international fans' decisions to travel to the United States. A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association, which included over 9,500 respondents from ten countries, highlights these issues just two months before the tournament's kickoff on June 11. The survey indicates that nearly one in four potential attendees are deterred by visa and border processing challenges, alongside worries about shifting U.S. policies.

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The survey reveals that international visitors, who are generally younger and tend to spend significantly more than typical leisure travelers, expect to spend approximately $5,048 per person during the World Cup. In contrast, domestic fans planning to travel for games in other cities anticipate spending around $4,794. However, despite the optimistic projections from World Cup planners regarding ticket sales from over 200 countries, there is little data to confirm substantial flight or hotel bookings. Reports indicate that FIFA has canceled thousands of hotel reservations across the three host countries— the United States, Canada, and Mexico—due to lower-than-expected demand.

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FIFA's implementation of variable pricing for tickets has drawn criticism, as prices fluctuate based on demand, leading to increased costs for fans. Additionally, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced limited round-trip tickets to Gillette Stadium, now referred to as Boston Stadium for the tournament, priced at $80. This announcement has raised concerns among supporter groups from England and Scotland, with some expressing fears that fans may face financial strain due to the high costs associated with attending the event. Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, noted, "There will be a lot of second mortgages and costs being put on credit cards."

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The U.S. Travel Association's February 2025 report highlighted significant infrastructure challenges that could hinder the influx of visitors for both the World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Key issues include aging air travel infrastructure, slow visa processing times, and outdated security technology, all of which could impact the overall experience for international fans.

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Critics have voiced concerns that the combination of high costs, logistical challenges, and safety issues may deter international fans from attending the World Cup. The U.S. Travel Association has urged Congress to maintain federal funding for the Brand USA marketing organization, which supports the domestic travel industry, emphasizing the need for a robust strategy to attract visitors.

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• “Success is not guaranteed,” — U.S. Travel Association

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• “It's another huge disappointment.” — Paul Goodwin, Co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association

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The outlook for international attendance at the World Cup remains uncertain, with various factors contributing to a potentially diminished turnout.

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