The FIFA World Cup, a global spectacle of football, has long been a platform for fans to unite and celebrate their passion. However, this year's tournament in the United States and Canada has been marred by a stark reality: exclusion and travel bans. The story of Mustafa al Saadi, a 32-year-old laboratory technician from Mosul, Iraq, encapsulates the heartache of this issue. Al Saadi, who had planned to travel to the US to watch Iraq's match against France, was left behind due to a pending visa application. This is just one of many instances where fans, journalists, and even tournament personnel have faced barriers to entry, highlighting the inequalities that persist in the world of international football.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aimed to showcase the sport's global appeal. However, the reality has been far from ideal. FIFA's efforts to make the tournament more inclusive have been undermined by stringent immigration policies in the host countries. While the tournament welcomed new teams like Cabo Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Curaçao, the journey for their supporters and fans was fraught with challenges.
The inequalities were evident in the stands, with supporters from about a quarter of qualifying nations facing travel bans, heightened entry restrictions, or high US visa refusal rates. Haiti and Scotland, returning to the World Cup stage after decades, were met by tens of thousands of Scottish fans in Boston, their voices reaching 125 decibels. In contrast, the Haitian national anthem was performed by a smaller group of fans, a stark reminder of the disparities in access.
The tournament also brought the World Cup to hometown fan zones and diaspora communities. In Mosul, hundreds gathered to watch Iraq's match, transforming the city into a global hub. Similarly, in Brockton, Massachusetts, and Dakar, Senegal, fans celebrated their teams' matches, creating a sense of unity and pride. However, for those who couldn't travel, the experience was bittersweet.
The Trump administration's immigration crackdown, including the requirement for some visitors from 50 countries to post visa bonds of up to $15,000, has further complicated matters. FIFA's request for an exemption was granted for qualified World Cup ticket holders from Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Tunisia, but the standard visa process remained in place. This has led to heartache for fans like Assane Ly from Dakar, who missed the chance to connect with other fans and immerse themselves in the tournament's spirit.
The story of the Cabo Verdean community in Brockton is a testament to the power of football to unite people. For decades, they cheered for other countries, but this year, they finally had the opportunity to support their own. The celebration in Luanda Restaurant, filled with Cabo Verde jerseys and national stew, was a sight to behold. The team's performance, holding Spain to a draw, brought joy and pride to the community, leaving a lasting impact.
In contrast, al Saadi's visa application, pending for months, changed his World Cup experience. He had to create a fan zone in his hometown of Mosul, bringing the tournament to his community. The event, filled with Iraqi flags and stilt walkers, transformed Mosul into a global city, showcasing the power of football to unite people across borders.
The FIFA World Cup, while a celebration of football, has also become a stage for highlighting the inequalities and challenges faced by fans and supporters. As the tournament continues, it is a reminder that the sport's global appeal must be accompanied by inclusive and equitable access for all.
