by Esmie Alwaeli
Every time the FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off, I find myself glued to the TV, cheering, yelling at missed shots and passes, and celebrating every goal from the comfort of my home, school, etc., It’s truly thrilling, but then I see the fans who actually make the journey to the stadium, and I’m amazed and jealous. These are people who leave behind work, family, and spend months of planning just to be there in person, and the road to those stands has gotten complicated. You can argue that it’s wild or absurd to pay so much money to watch these games and travel so far, but everyone has their reasons for why they do it.
First, it’s not just about buying a ticket and booking a flight. With the U.S. hosting the 2026 World Cup, international fans have to deal with complicated visa processes just to get into the country. In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced, “a temporary pause on certain immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. This policy affects individuals applying for green cards…” Luckily, fans don’t have to worry too much because temporary visas are for travel, so fans can still apply for the right tourist or visitor visa.
FIFA and the U.S. government are also offering priority interview scheduling for ticket holders, but having a ticket doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed entry. According to the U.S Department of State, “A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2 or combined B1/B2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program…There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.” This means travelers still have to meet all the requirements and show up prepared for the interview for this visa even if they don’t get it.
There are bigger concerns about overall safety, too. Human rights groups have pointed out that some international travelers worry about feeling safe in and around stadium zones, especially with increased enforcement measures in place before the tournament. With weeks until kick-off, most of the 16 World Cup host committees still haven’t released the Human Rights Action Plans they’re supposed to produce. It’s impossible to manage human rights risks without identifying them and putting systems in place to manage them. If you’re watching from home like me, it’s easy to forget just how much effort and preparation goes into getting into the stadium. It’s important that people can feel comfortable and safe enough to sit and laugh amongst themselves and others who share a common interest.
All that said, watching from home still has its thrills, getting to surround yourself with friends in class and watching one of the matches like I did in high school. But every time I see fans on TV, everyone has a smile or is cheering, their faces are painted, draped in flags or merchandise, and can’t help but admire that. They endure miles of travel, mountains of paperwork, and hours of waiting just to be in the stands. Honestly, that’s part of what makes the tournament so special.
