Power challenge: World Cup 2026 faces growing problems before kick-off

The 2026 World Cup is less than a week away, yet concerns over visas, travel restrictions, health risks, extreme weather, logistical demands and rising costs are already threatening to overshadow the tournament before it begins.

Set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded competition is expected to be the largest World Cup ever staged.

However, a series of issues away from the pitch are presenting organisers, teams and supporters with significant challenges as the countdown to the opening match continues.

While the tournament promises to bring together nations from across the globe, several obstacles have emerged that could affect participation, travel and the overall experience for fans.

Among the most pressing concerns is the issue of entry visas.

Iran faces uncertainty over visa approvals

One of the first major complications has involved Iran’s delegation.

After weeks of uncertainty, United States authorities eventually granted visas to Iranian players and some members of the team’s staff, allowing them to participate in the tournament.

However, the process remains incomplete.

Several members of Iran’s administrative and technical staff are still experiencing difficulties obtaining the documents required to enter the United States.

The situation has drawn attention to the diplomatic complexities that can accompany a global event involving countries with strained political relationships.

The case has become one of the most visible examples of how international politics can affect preparations for a sporting competition of this scale.

Senegal and Ivory Coast supporters affected by travel restrictions

Visa and immigration issues are not limited to Iran.

Supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast could also face difficulties travelling to the United States because of immigration measures affecting nationals from both countries.

A presidential decree suspending entry into the United States for Senegalese and Ivorian citizens travelling on tourist visas has raised concerns among football supporters hoping to attend matches involving their national teams.

Although exemptions exist for players, official delegations and members of their families, ordinary supporters are not included in those exceptions.

As a result, thousands of fans who had hoped to support the Lions of Teranga and the Elephants in person may be unable to do so, reducing the presence of travelling supporters during the tournament.

Ebola concerns create further complications

Health-related restrictions are also affecting travel plans for some supporters.

The re-emergence of Ebola in parts of Central Africa has prompted measures that limit entry into the United States for people who have recently been in areas affected by the outbreak.

For supporters of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the restrictions have proved particularly frustrating.

The Leopards are returning to the World Cup for the first time in more than 50 years, and many fans had planned to travel to support the team during the historic campaign.

Instead, some supporters now face uncertainty over whether they will be able to attend matches.

Others who have already spent money on travel arrangements are seeking solutions or compensation after finding their plans disrupted.

Heat could become a major factor

Away from travel and diplomatic concerns, weather conditions are emerging as another challenge.

Several host cities are expected to experience very high temperatures during the competition, particularly locations in Texas, Florida and California.

Experts have highlighted the potential impact of intense heat and humidity on both players and spectators.

Older supporters and individuals with existing health conditions could be especially vulnerable if temperatures rise significantly during the tournament.

The issue has also renewed discussions about the wider effects of climate change on major sporting events.

Some observers believe the 2026 edition could become one of the hottest World Cups ever staged if forecasts prove accurate.

Vast distances create logistical hurdles

The tournament’s unique format is also creating unprecedented logistical demands.

Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where travel times between venues were relatively short, the 2026 competition will be spread across three countries and sixteen host cities.

That scale means teams, officials and supporters may need to cover thousands of kilometres throughout the tournament.

The travel burden is expected to be particularly demanding for some nations.

Algeria are among the teams likely to face some of the longest journeys during the group stage, while Canada could also be required to travel extensively despite being one of the host nations.

Managing travel schedules, recovery periods and training arrangements will therefore become an important part of each team’s planning.

Rising costs concern supporters

Financial pressures are adding to the growing list of concerns.

Prices for accommodation, transportation and match-related travel have increased significantly in several host cities as demand rises ahead of the competition.

In New York, costs associated with travelling to MetLife Stadium have climbed sharply in the build-up to the tournament.

For many supporters, the expense of attending matches is becoming a major obstacle.

The rising cost of flights, hotels and local transport has led to concerns that the World Cup is becoming increasingly difficult to access for ordinary fans.

As anticipation builds for the opening fixtures, organisers face the challenge of ensuring the tournament remains a celebration of global football despite the growing number of issues surrounding it.

The football itself has yet to begin, but the 2026 World Cup is already confronting a series of tests that extend far beyond the boundaries of the pitch.