The 2026 World Cup has become a symbol of exclusion for many Arab fans due to heightened geopolitical tension and strict visa requirements. Eight Arab nations have qualified for the tournament, but fans from these countries face significant barriers to entry. The US State Department has suspended visa issuance for nationals from certain countries, including Iran, and imposed strict requirements on others.
Fans from countries like Morocco, Jordan, and Palestine have had their visas denied or face long wait times, with some losing money spent on travel costs. The situation is further complicated by the use of AI-powered visa-triaging algorithms and social media monitoring, which can lead to additional screening or denial of entry.
The high cost of tickets, which have increased sharply since the last World Cup, is also a significant barrier for many fans. FIFA's dynamic pricing system allows prices to fluctuate in real-time, making it difficult for fans to afford tickets. The tournament's exclusivity has sparked concerns about the impact on fans and the sport as a whole.
