Washington, United States. Football fans are expressing renewed excitement for this year’s World Cup, but rising ticket prices, entry restrictions and difficult match times are complicating the experience for many supporters.
The tournament, hosted by the United States with Canada and Mexico, has drawn criticism over costs and access, with some fans saying the event is becoming harder to attend and follow.
Fan anticipation returns
Giovanni said the first World Cup he remembers vividly was South Africa in 2010, when he was 15 and on summer holiday, watching every game.
He said he was less able to follow the 2014 tournament in Brazil and the 2018 edition in Russia because of other commitments, while the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was difficult because it was held in winter.
He said that this year, after several tournaments, he again feels eager for the competition and would like to watch every match.
Concerns over costs
Supporters’ enthusiasm comes as Fifa faces criticism over the organisation of the biggest World Cup to date.
Ticket prices have increased sharply, largely because Fifa is renting existing stadiums and using dynamic pricing, which adjusts prices according to demand, to cover those costs.
Travel and entry restrictions
The United States, one of the three host countries, is also facing scrutiny over entry restrictions affecting participants and supporters.
Mohamed, 27, said the World Cup is an event that brings people from around the world together to watch matches and connect.
However, Somali referee Omar Artan, named Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was denied entry last week, allegedly over terrorist links.
Officials from Iran’s national team have also been denied visas, while Iranian players, having relocated to Mexico, are unable to stay overnight in the United States and must fly in and out for every match.
The article also said Iranian fans are not being allowed entry to support their team.
Challenges for viewers abroad
Fans watching from Cyprus also face inconvenient schedules, with some matches set to kick off at 1am, 4am and 7am Cyprus time.