A World Cup Under Pressure: How American Politics Could Shape FIFA 2026

20 January 2026

Paul Francis

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The FIFA World Cup is meant to be football’s great unifier. Every four years, politics is supposed to fade into the background as supporters cross borders to follow their teams. Yet as the 2026 tournament approaches, concerns are growing that the political climate in the United States may be doing the opposite.

Soccer ball with US flag design on grass field in stadium. Blurred crowd and scoreboard in background. Bright, sunny atmosphere.

Recent comments and policy signals from President Donald Trump have reignited anxieties among fans, organisers and civil rights groups. While football itself remains as popular as ever, the environment surrounding the tournament is becoming increasingly complicated, raising questions about travel, ticket sales and whether the world’s biggest sporting event can truly remain separate from domestic politics.

Politics enters the picture again

Donald Trump’s return to the centre of American politics has brought renewed focus on immigration, border enforcement and national security. His language around immigration has hardened, and his administration has signalled a tougher stance on visas and border controls. For many international football supporters, particularly those travelling from Europe, Africa and South America, this has raised uncomfortable questions.

Online, concerns have circulated about the visibility of immigration enforcement agencies and the risk of being caught up in aggressive border or visa checks. While some of these fears are undoubtedly amplified by social media, they are not appearing in a vacuum. Advocacy groups have formally raised concerns with FIFA about whether fans from certain regions will face additional scrutiny or barriers when travelling to the United States.

For some supporters, the idea of spending thousands of pounds on tickets and travel only to face uncertainty at the border is enough to pause or reconsider plans. It is here that the politics of Captain Orange begin to intersect directly with football.

Are ticket sales really struggling?

The picture around ticket sales is mixed and often misunderstood. FIFA has reported extremely strong global demand across several ticket application phases, with millions of requests submitted worldwide. On paper, this suggests the tournament is not in danger of empty stadiums.

However, critics point to a different issue. While demand exists, actual purchases appear uneven, especially at the higher price points. There have been persistent reports of slower sales for certain matches and categories, particularly among travelling supporters who are weighing cost against political and logistical risk.

In other words, the concern is not a lack of interest in football. It is hesitation. Fans are watching, waiting and calculating whether the experience will justify the expense and uncertainty.

The cost of attending the World Cup

Price is one of the most significant factors shaping that calculation. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in history.

The cheapest group stage tickets have been priced at around sixty dollars, but these are limited and often difficult to secure. More realistic prices for popular group matches run into the hundreds, with premium seats climbing well above two thousand dollars.

Knockout rounds are another level entirely. Quarter final and semi final tickets can cost several thousand dollars, while premium seats for the final in New Jersey have been listed at over six thousand dollars at face value. On secondary markets, prices can climb even higher.

For many fans, particularly from Europe and South America, these figures sit alongside the cost of long haul flights, accommodation and internal travel across a vast host country. The result is a World Cup that feels financially distant from the traditional supporter.

Travel, visas and fear of uncertainty

Beyond cost, travel logistics are adding another layer of anxiety. The United States is hosting the majority of matches across a geographically enormous area. Fans may need to fly thousands of miles between cities, navigate unfamiliar transport systems and deal with complex visa requirements.

Recent tightening of visa rules and public rhetoric around immigration enforcement have not helped perceptions. Reports of fans from African nations struggling with visa delays or rejections have circulated widely, even if they do not represent the majority experience.

The problem is not necessarily policy itself, but uncertainty. When supporters feel unclear about how they will be treated on arrival, or whether rules may change suddenly, confidence erodes.

Other pressures on the tournament

The political environment is only one of several pressures facing the 2026 World Cup. Stadium readiness, security planning, climate concerns and the sheer scale of the expanded tournament all present challenges.

The United States is not a traditional football nation in the way Europe or South America is. While interest has grown rapidly, there are still questions about atmosphere, cultural familiarity and whether the event will feel like a World Cup rather than a series of high end entertainment events.

There is also a growing debate about whether FIFA’s commercial strategy is distancing the tournament from its roots. High prices, premium experiences and corporate packages may deliver revenue, but they risk sidelining the fans who give the World Cup its character.

A tournament caught between sport and state

None of this means the 2026 World Cup is doomed. Far from it. The global appetite for football remains immense, and millions will watch and attend regardless of political context. But it does suggest that the tournament is unusually exposed to forces beyond the pitch.

When the host nation’s political leadership becomes a source of anxiety rather than reassurance, it inevitably shapes perception. When attending feels like a financial gamble layered with political risk, some supporters will hesitate.

The World Cup has always existed within the world it inhabits. In 2026, that world includes heightened political tension, polarised leadership and rising costs. Whether football can rise above those pressures, or whether they will leave a lasting mark on the tournament, remains one of the most important unanswered questions heading into kick off.

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6 British Products That Are Surprisingly Banned in Other Countries (Here’s Why)

Connor Banks
Jun 26, 2025
3 min read

From haggis and Marmite to Kinder Eggs, there are everyday British staples that raise eyebrows (and red tape) overseas. Some of these familiar items are considered risky, unhealthy, or just plain illegal in countries like the USA and Canada, even though they’re part of everyday life in the UK.

Here are six things that are completely normal in Britain — but are either banned, heavily restricted, or controversial abroad.

1. Haggis – Off the Menu in the USA

A brown haggis on a dark plate with a spoon resting beside it on a woven mat. Two glasses with amber liquid in the blurred background.

Haggis may be divisive, but for many Scots (and those who appreciate a bit of tradition), it’s part of the national identity. Made from minced sheep offal — including lungs, which is the sticking point here — haggis has been banned in the US since 1971.

The US Department of Agriculture considers sheep lungs unsafe due to the potential risk of contamination during slaughter. Even though millions of people in the UK eat it without issue, American regulations err on the side of caution. So if you're wondering, "Can you bring haggis into the US?" The answer is no.

2. Kinder Surprise – A No-Go in the States

Kinder Surprise egg leaning against a white candle on a beige surface. Soft focus background with neutral tones.

Yes, really. Those little chocolate eggs with the plastic toy inside are illegal in the US. According to FDA regulations, food products cannot contain non-edible embedded objects, due to choking hazards for children.

While they’ve got a separate version called Kinder Joy (which splits the toy and chocolate into two compartments), it lacks the charm of the original. So if you're searching "Why are Kinder Eggs banned in the US?" It's all about safety laws.

3. Raw Milk – A Legal Grey Area Abroad

Cow with yellow ear tags in field, looking at camera under a clear blue sky with scattered white clouds. Bright, calm setting.

In Britain, raw (or unpasteurised) milk is a niche but legal product, often sold at farm shops or directly from dairies. It’s appreciated for its richness and flavour, and seen by some as a more "natural" option.

However, in many US states, Canada, and other countries, raw milk is either banned or tightly regulated. Public health authorities warn about the risks of bacterial contamination, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.

So while it’s legal and available in the UK under certain conditions, in the US, it’s largely treated as a public health risk.

4. Marmite – Once Banned in Denmark

Marmite jar with yellow lid labeled "Elton John Limited Edition" on patterned surface, spotlighted against a dark background.

Marmite is a uniquely British staple. But in Denmark, it was temporarily removed from shelves in 2011 because of its added vitamins and minerals, which hadn’t been pre-approved under Danish food regulations.

It wasn’t banned due to any direct health risk; it simply didn’t meet bureaucratic requirements. So, "Is Marmite banned in Denmark?" Technically, it was, though it can now be found in limited quantities.

5. Irn-Bru (Original Recipe) – Banned in Canada

Scotland’s iconic bright-orange soft drink, Irn-Bru, used to contain a synthetic dye called Ponceau 4R (E124). While permitted in the UK, it’s banned in Canada due to concerns about hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions.

Though Irn-Bru has since been reformulated, the original recipe remains banned. So if you’re Googling "Is Irn-Bru banned in Canada?" — the answer is yes, at least in its original form.

6. Toys Inside Food – Not Allowed in the USA

Cute pink-eared figure sits atop a creamy dessert in a hand. Urban street with soft lights in the blurry background. Playful mood.

The US really doesn’t like surprises in its food, especially if they’re small plastic toys. Beyond Kinder Surprise eggs, any food product that contains a hidden non-edible object is considered a choking hazard and banned by the FDA.

So even if something passes UK and EU safety regulations, in America it’s a no-go. That includes novelty sweets or promotional snacks with toys hidden inside.

It’s interesting how the same everyday product can be perfectly acceptable in one country and completely banned in another. Whether it’s due to food safety concerns, bureaucratic red tape, or simply different cultural norms, these bans show just how subjective "safe" can be.

So if you're travelling or posting a parcel abroad, it’s worth double-checking what’s allowed. That jar of Marmite or humble Kinder egg might just be contraband where you’re headed.