Security Concerns and Ticket Access Mark Preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.
As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico, officials are addressing potential challenges related to security and accessibility for fans. Concerns have been raised about potential difficulties for international fans attending matches, coupled with the high cost of tickets.
White House envoy for the World Cup,Rudy Giuliani,emphasized a stringent security approach,stating,”Every visa decision is a national security decision first and foremost… And it’s the president’s goal first and foremost every day to make sure that he can not just protect American citizens that are here,but all of those for the World Cup,international travelers,that are here.” Giuliani affirmed a “zero tolerance” policy for anyone intending to cause trouble, promising thorough vetting of all international travelers. He pointed to lessons learned from past events, including the 1994 World cup and the 2002 Winter Olympics, as well as ongoing analysis of security measures implemented at events like the recent World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Euros in germany, utilizing resources like the International Police Cooperation Center.
the scale of the 2026 tournament is significantly larger than previous iterations. the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams - double the 24 teams that participated in the 1994 U.S.-hosted tournament – and involve three host countries: Canada, mexico, and the United States. Giuliani described the event as “the largest sporting event in human history,” marking the first time an entire continent has collaborated to host the World Cup.
Alongside security, ticket prices are a key concern. While group stage tickets begin around $60, final tickets can reach upwards of $6,750, influenced by FIFA’s previously utilized “dynamic pricing” system.New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has already urged FIFA to reduce ticket costs for residents of host cities.
Responding to these concerns, FIFA has decided to limit the use of dynamic pricing. The association will reserve 8% of tickets for each match featuring a competing national team for supporters affiliated with that team’s national federation, sold at fixed prices. The pricing for remaining tickets will still be determined by demand.
Giuliani also highlighted the increasing global popularity of soccer, noting a dramatic rise in viewership. While World Cup finals in the 1990s and early 2000s drew “high hundreds of millions” of viewers, the Qatar 2022 final reached 1.5 billion, with expectations for the 2026 final possibly exceeding two billion viewers. He added that soccer’s growth in the United States has been notably meaningful.
