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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The Age of Anxiety: How Modern Tech is Making Us More Stressed

Paul Francis
Feb 5, 2025
5 min read

It starts with a glance. Then another. Before you know it, you're crouching down in the supermarket car park, checking your tyres again—just to be sure. Sound familiar? Welcome to "tyre anxiety," a modern affliction caused by the fact that most new cars no longer come with a trusty spare. Instead, manufacturers have gifted us with puncture repair kits, which seem about as useful as a chocolate teapot when faced with a shredded tyre on the M1.

A blue car on an open highway at sunset, with a city skyline in the distance. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, creating a serene mood.

And it's not just tyres. "Range anxiety" is plaguing electric vehicle (EV) drivers, who find themselves obsessively monitoring their battery levels like a nervous parent tracking their teenager’s first solo trip. With charging points still hit-and-miss, the fear of being stranded somewhere between Leeds and nowhere is very real.

But these worries aren’t just about cars. Technology has made life easier in many ways, but it has also introduced a new breed of anxieties that previous generations never had to deal with. From the pressure to be always available to the fear of AI taking over jobs, modern life is full of hidden stressors. Let’s take a deep dive into the biggest tech-induced anxieties shaping our lives today.

Digital Anxiety Overload: The Curse of Constant Connectivity

There was a time when the workday ended at 5pm. Now? Your phone buzzes at all hours with emails, WhatsApp messages, and that one colleague who thinks "urgent" means "I just remembered this at 10pm." The pressure to be permanently available has led to a rise in digital burnout, with people struggling to switch off—literally and mentally.

The Science Behind Digital Overload

Doomscrolling: The urge to compulsively scroll through negative news is a real psychological phenomenon. Studies show that constant exposure to bad news can increase stress and anxiety levels.
The Average Brit Checks Their Phone 100+ Times a Day: According to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, people in the UK spend an average of 4.5 hours a day online, with many checking their phones every few minutes, often out of habit rather than necessity.
Notifications = Dopamine Hits: Every time your phone pings, your brain releases a small amount of dopamine—the same chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. The result? A subconscious need to keep checking.

🔹 The fix:

✅ Set "do not disturb" hours, especially in the evening.

✅ Turn off non-essential notifications (yes, even the group chat about Sharon’s new air fryer).

✅ Try a digital detox, even if it’s just for one weekend.

Technostress: Keeping Up with the Digital Workplace

Remember when learning a new skill meant practising handwriting or memorising the capital cities of Europe? Now, it’s about mastering yet another work app. Whether it’s a new project management tool or AI-powered everything, the relentless march of workplace tech is making employees feel like they’re constantly playing catch-up.

Why Workplace Tech Causes Anxiety

AI is Taking Over Certain Roles: Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing jobs in industries from customer service to accounting, leaving many workers uncertain about their future.
"Always On" Culture: The expectation that you should reply to emails, messages, and Slack notifications outside work hours leads to burnout.
Too Many Tools, Too Little Time: One company might use Zoom, Slack, Trello, Asana, and Monday.com—all for different purposes. The cognitive load of switching between so many apps is exhausting.

Real-Life Impact

A 2024 report found that over 40% of UK employees feel anxious about their ability to keep up with workplace technology.
One in three UK workers admitted they felt pressure to be online outside of working hours, with some fearing job loss if they didn’t.
Older employees often feel disadvantaged compared to younger colleagues, who tend to adapt more quickly.

🔹 The fix:

✅ Employers should provide proper training when introducing new tools, not just expect people to "figure it out."

✅ If tech stress is impacting your work, speak up—you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

✅ Set boundaries on work communications outside office hours.

Digital Perfectionism: The Pressure to Look Flawless Online

Ever taken 30 photos of your dinner just to post one that looks vaguely Instagram-worthy? You’re not alone. Social media has created a culture of perfection, where everyone’s life looks shinier and more successful than yours. But the truth? It’s mostly filters, careful cropping, and a lot of staged moments.

Why This is Happening

FaceTune & Filters: The rise of AI-powered photo editing means even "casual" selfies are now retouched. The result? Unrealistic beauty standards.
Comparing Reality to a Highlight Reel: You see your own struggles, but only the curated best moments of everyone else.
Fear of Judgement: Many people feel pressure to craft the perfect online persona, which can cause anxiety and self-doubt.

Real-Life Impact

A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression—especially in teenagers.
The rise of "Snapchat dysmorphia" (where people seek cosmetic surgery to look more like their filtered selfies) is a worrying trend.

🔹 The fix:

✅ Follow accounts that promote realistic content and body positivity.

✅ Remind yourself that social media isn’t real life.

✅ Take regular breaks from Instagram, TikTok, and other comparison-heavy platforms.

Technophobia: Fear of the Digital Future

Not everyone embraces new technology with open arms. Some people feel genuine anxiety about AI, smart devices, and online security. The rise of AI tools has sparked fears about job losses, privacy concerns, and even dystopian futures (thanks, sci-fi movies).

Why Some People Fear Technology

AI is Becoming More Human-like: Chatbots, deepfakes, and voice assistants are increasingly indistinguishable from real people, which can be unsettling.
Data Privacy Concerns: With major data breaches making headlines, many people fear how their personal information is being used.
A Feeling of Being Left Behind: Older generations, in particular, often feel excluded from an increasingly digital world.

🔹 The fix:

✅ Learn at your own pace—small steps can reduce fear and build confidence.

✅ Use privacy settings and cybersecurity measures to protect yourself online.

✅ Accept that not all tech is bad—many advancements genuinely improve lives.

So, What Can We Do About It?

Technology isn’t going anywhere, so managing these anxieties is crucial. Here’s how to keep your stress levels in check:

✅ Set boundaries: Establish screen-free time and turn off notifications when you need to focus.✅ Seek support: If tech stress is affecting your work or life, ask for training or talk to someone about it.✅ Keep learning: Take it at your own pace—new skills don’t need to be scary.✅ Practice mindfulness: A little bit of digital detoxing can help your brain reset.

Technology is supposed to make life easier, not send us into a spiral of stress. So next time you find yourself anxiously checking your tyre pressure, refreshing your battery percentage, or wondering if AI will take over your job, take a deep breath. The future might be unpredictable—but at least we’re all figuring it out together.