Key facts
- The 2026 World Cup will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 stadiums in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
- Calls for a boycott of the tournament are being made due to US foreign policy, including alleged illegal wars and actions in Gaza.
- Reports detail incidents of US airport harassment and visa denials for World Cup visitors and participants.
- Critics draw parallels between the scrutiny of Qatar in 2022 and the current US hosting, arguing the case for a US boycott is stronger.
- Allegations of racist treatment of fans and players, particularly from Middle Eastern countries, have been highlighted.
Calls for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, are intensifying, fueled by accusations of illegal wars, alleged genocide in Gaza, and discriminatory practices against foreign visitors and participants.
The article draws a stark contrast between the international scrutiny faced by Qatar during the 2022 World Cup and what it describes as a "gross double standard" regarding the current tournament hosted by the US. Critics argue that the US's foreign policy record, including its involvement in conflicts and its stance on international law, makes it an unsuitable host.
Specific incidents cited include alleged US and Israeli attacks on Iran, US support for actions in Gaza, and a bombing in Venezuela. The article also points to issues faced by World Cup attendees, such as visa denials and harassment at US airports, with particular emphasis on alleged racist treatment of fans and players from Middle Eastern countries. Examples include the cancellation of Iranian fans' ticket allocations and the detention of Iraqi footballer Aymen Hussein at Chicago's O'Hare airport.
Furthermore, the article criticizes the tournament's infrastructure compared to Qatar's, noting a lack of air conditioning in most stadiums and significantly higher transportation costs for fans attending the final at MetLife Stadium. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is also criticized for his leadership and comparisons are drawn to past FIFA officials who faced controversy for their handling of politically charged sporting events.