The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is facing an unprecedented crisis fueled by political controversy, governance failures within FIFA, and the recent imposition of a new U.S. travel ban. This turmoil has sparked growing calls for a boycott of the tournament, threatening to overshadow what should be a global celebration of football. This analysis explores the intertwined issues of the Trump administration’s travel ban, FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial political alignments, and the mounting distrust among fans, officials, and nations that could reshape the future of the World Cup.
The Trump Travel Ban: Scope and Implications for the World Cup
In June 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries, reigniting fears about accessibility and inclusivity for major international sporting events hosted in the United States. Although the executive order includes an exemption for athletes, coaches, essential support personnel, and immediate family members traveling for major sporting events including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics the policy’s vague language has generated widespread concern.
Critics warn that despite the exemption, the ban risks causing delays, misunderstandings, and potential discrimination at U.S. borders, especially for individuals from the targeted countries. Fans and non-athlete visitors face uncertainty about whether they will be allowed entry, dampening enthusiasm and raising questions about the fairness of hosting a global event in a country with such restrictive immigration policies.
The timing of the ban is particularly damaging as it comes just days before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the U.S., and only a year before the World Cup itself. The travel restrictions threaten to deter attendance, reduce fan engagement, and complicate logistics for teams and support staff.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Controversial Political Alignments
Compounding the travel ban controversy is FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s increasingly close relationship with Donald Trump, which has drawn sharp criticism from football governing bodies, human rights organizations, and fans worldwide.
Infantino’s political optics have deepened mistrust in FIFA’s leadership. In a move that stunned many, Infantino skipped FIFA’s own congress to meet Trump in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, triggering a walkout by European officials and accusations that he prioritizes political gain over football governance. UEFA has openly accused Infantino of abusing his position for private political interests, undermining transparency and accountability within FIFA.
Human Rights Watch’s Minky Worden criticized Infantino’s Middle East visits as emblematic of FIFA’s credibility crisis, calling on him to clarify what tangible benefits these political engagements have brought to football and human rights.
Infantino’s public admiration for Trump is well-documented, including attending Trump’s inauguration and praising him on social media multiple times within a single week. This “bromance” has alarmed many stakeholders who see it as aligning FIFA with authoritarian regimes and controversial political figures, further eroding FIFA’s global reputation.
The Broader Context: FIFA’s Governance Crisis and Corruption Allegations
The Trump-FIFA scandal is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of governance failures and corruption allegations that have plagued FIFA for years. The awarding of the 2034 World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia without a competitive bidding process has sparked global criticism, reinforcing fears of corruption and undue political influence within FIFA.
The scandal has intensified calls for reform and accountability, with fan groups and some national football associations threatening to boycott matches held in the United States unless FIFA addresses governance concerns and clarifies the travel ban’s impact25. The boycott movement aims to pressure FIFA and host nations financially and reputationally, hoping to force meaningful change.
Financial and Political Stakes: Why the Boycott Movement Matters
The 2026 World Cup is a multi-billion-dollar event with immense financial stakes for FIFA, sponsors, host countries, and broadcasters. A boycott by teams, fans, or national associations could severely impact revenues and the tournament’s success. Moreover, it would send a powerful message about the unacceptable intertwining of sport with divisive politics and governance malpractice.
The boycott movement is gaining momentum as frustration grows over FIFA’s perceived complicity in political controversies and the U.S. government’s restrictive immigration policies. Some proposals include relocating U.S.-hosted matches to Canada and Mexico or refusing to play on American soil altogether.
A Crucial Juncture for Football’s Integrity
The convergence of Trump’s travel ban and FIFA’s leadership controversies has created a perfect storm threatening the 2026 World Cup’s legitimacy and success. The travel ban’s ambiguity and potential for exclusionary enforcement undermine the spirit of global unity that football embodies. Meanwhile, Infantino’s political entanglements and FIFA’s governance failures erode trust among fans, officials, and nations.
For the 2026 World Cup to remain a beacon of international cooperation and sporting excellence, FIFA must urgently address these issues by:
- Ensuring clear, fair, and inclusive travel policies for all participants and fans.
- Demonstrating transparency and accountability in its leadership and decision-making.
- Rebuilding trust through meaningful reforms and distancing itself from controversial political alliances.
Without decisive action, the boycott calls may escalate, risking the World Cup’s integrity and the future of international football.
