By Keerthi Ramesh
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, the sport’s governing body is facing growing criticism on multiple fronts, from internal embarrassment over its newly created “peace prize” awarded to President Donald Trump to urgent reminders that the match tickets do not guarantee entry into the United States amid evolving visa policies.
FIFA’s peace prize, introduced at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., last December, was intended to honor contributions to global unity and diplomacy. Trump accepted the award amid praise from FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his role in ceasefire efforts and diplomatic engagements. But the decision has sparked disagreements within FIFA ranks and among fans and right groups worldwide. Critics expressed that awarding the prize to a sitting political leader whose recent actions include controversial military decisions and immigration policies, undermines the organization’s stated neutrality and raises questions about its judgment.
Several FIFA officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a growing sense of embarrassment internally. One senior source characterized the situation as “very delicate,” pointing to tensions between the global football community and political entanglements surrounding the prestigious tournament. The award’s lack of transparent requirements and timing, amid U.S. foreign policy actions that have drawn international scrutiny, has intensified concerns about FIFA’s independence and reputation.
READ: Will new US screening, biometric rules impact FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors? (December 11, 2025)
Beyond reputational issues, FIFA is also dealing with practical concerns from supporters planning to travel to matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. With the tournament less than six months away, the organization has issued repeated warnings that a World Cup ticket alone does not entitle holders to enter the United States. Fans must still secure visas under U.S. immigration law.
In late 2025, the Trump administration and FIFA unveiled a new “FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System,” commonly being referred to as FIFA Pass meant simplified visa interview appointments for ticket holders. Officials say this prioritized system is designed to help manage what is expected to be a massive influx of international visitors. But State Department and FIFA leaders have stressed that prompted appointments do not guarantee a visa, urging fans to apply early and meet existing requirements.
READ: FIFA launches special pass for 2026 World Cup(November 21, 2025)
The heightened focus on visas comes against a backdrop of broader U.S. immigration restrictions that have affected citizens of certain nations, prompting some supporters to raise alarms about accessibility to the tournament. While teams, staff and immediate family members typically receive exemptions, ordinary fans from affected countries may find themselves unable to secure travel authorization without careful planning.
For FIFA and its global audience, the 2026 World Cup is poised to be one of the most watched and commercially significant tournaments ever. But as preparations continue, the dual pressures of political controversies and logistical challenges serve as stark reminders that staging the world’s premier football event in a complex geopolitical era will require navigating far more than just matches on the pitch
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