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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From Ancient Taverns to Digital Dining: The Evolution of Restaurants

Connor Banks
Jul 22, 2024
3 min read

The concept of restaurants dates back to ancient civilisations, where the seeds of communal dining were first sown. In Ancient Rome, thermopolia were ubiquitous. These small establishments, often compared to modern fast-food outlets, sold hot, ready-to-eat food to citizens and travellers who lacked cooking facilities at home. Their simple fare included stews and porridges served in bowls embedded into L-shaped counters.

In medieval Europe, taverns and inns served as dining hubs for travellers. These establishments offered communal meals at fixed times, with little choice in the menu, often reflecting local cuisines and available ingredients. Food was served at long tables where patrons ate side by side.

The Birth of the Modern Restaurant

The term "restaurant" itself is French, originating from the word "restaurer," meaning "to restore." This term initially referred to healthful broths and bouillons sold to restore the health of weary travellers and workers. The first true restaurants, as we understand them, emerged in 18th-century Paris. Boulanger, often credited with opening the first modern restaurant in 1765, served a variety of dishes at any time of day, breaking from the traditional fixed meal times.

The French Revolution played a pivotal role in the proliferation of restaurants. As the aristocracy fell, many chefs who had served noble households found themselves out of work. These chefs opened public dining establishments, bringing their refined culinary skills to the masses and establishing the foundation for fine dining.

The American Influence

In the United States, the restaurant scene began to flourish in the 19th century. Delmonico's, opened in 1837 in New York City, is often cited as America's first fine-dining restaurant. It introduced many culinary innovations, including the Delmonico steak, eggs Benedict, and baked Alaska. Delmonico’s also claims the distinction of being the first in America to use tablecloths and offer a printed menu.

The Union Oyster House in Boston, founded in 1826, holds the title for the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. This establishment has been serving fresh oysters and more for nearly two centuries.

Technological and Cultural Shifts

The 20th century brought about significant technological advancements that transformed the restaurant industry. The rise of fast food chains like **White Castle**, founded in 1921, revolutionised dining by offering quick, affordable meals to the masses. This era also saw the introduction of drive-thru services and the expansion of global franchises such as McDonald's, which further cemented the fast-food culture.

Modern Innovations

Today, restaurants are at the forefront of technological innovation. Digital kitchen display systems (KDS) streamline operations by integrating front-of-house and kitchen activities, ensuring efficient order management. Self-order kiosks and mobile payment systems enhance customer convenience and reduce wait times.

The rise of online ordering and delivery services has transformed how people dine. Platforms like UberEats and Grubhub allow customers to enjoy their favourite meals from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the concept of ghost kitchens, which focus solely on food production for delivery, has gained traction, especially post-pandemic.

Sustainability and Future Trends

Modern restaurants are increasingly embracing sustainability. From using biodegradable packaging to sourcing local ingredients, these practices not only benefit the environment but also attract environmentally conscious consumers. For instance, the Chipotle chain has switched to compostable bowls made from plant fibre, reflecting a broader industry trend towards eco-friendly practices.

Sustainability and future trends modern restaurants are increasingly embracing sustainability from using biodegradable packingto sourcing local ingredients these practices not only benefit he environments but also attract environmentally conscious consumers

From ancient taverns and inns to modern digital dining experiences, the evolution of restaurants reflects broader social, technological, and cultural changes. While the core purpose of providing food and a place to eat remains unchanged, modern restaurants offer a vastly different and enriched dining experience. As technology and sustainability continue to shape the industry, the future of dining promises to be as dynamic and diverse as its past.