TLDR
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 has seen a sharp rise in costs, including ticket prices reaching up to RM35,137 for the final and visa fees of up to RM748 for some fans.
- Several controversies have emerged involving visas and travel restrictions, including the denial of entry to the first Somali official and visa issues affecting the Iranian team as well as players from other countries.
- A new format introduces a Super Bowl-style halftime concert during the final, featuring major artists such as Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, aimed at raising funds for children’s education and football opportunities.
The FIFA World Cup has finally arrived, bringing with it everything fans have been waiting for, from the electric atmosphere to unforgettable moments on the pitch. The tournament has already kicked off with dramatic highlights, including Mexico’s opening victory over South Africa and South Korea’s triumph over Czechia.
While the action on the field is only just beginning, off-pitch drama has been unfolding for months. Here are some of the biggest controversies surrounding this year’s FIFA World Cup.
1. Higher cost just to attend the event
Image Credit: Instagram
There have been reports that some fans from countries not included in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) had to pay up to US$185 (RM748) for a standard visitor visa, and that does not include flight tickets, hotels, or match tickets.
Additionally, citizens from 39 countries are facing full or partial travel bans to the US. Among them, Iran and Haiti face full restrictions, while Senegal and Ivory Coast are subject to tighter entry controls.
2. Ticket pricing
Image Credit: PM News
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has also seen a sharp surge in ticket prices. Reports indicate that group stage tickets start at US$140 (RM566), while regular seats for the World Cup final can reach as high as US$8,680 (RM35,137). Hospitality packages have reportedly gone up to US$73,200 (RM296,320).
For comparison, the most expensive ticket at the 2022 World Cup cost around US$1,600 (RM6,476). This has prompted many fans to complain that the World Cup has become an event only the wealthy can afford.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, stating that it is consistent with the North American market. He also explained that higher prices are partly intended to combat ticket speculation on the secondary market.
3. First Somali official in World Cup history denied entry
Image Credit: Sports News Africa
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, one of the 52 referees selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was set to make history as the first Somali official in the tournament.
However, the 34-year-old, who won Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, was denied entry at Miami International Airport despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
A source from President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly said Artan was denied entry after an inspection revealed alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations.
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms outlining the legal basis for expedited removal under Section 8235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country, full stop.”
4. Iranian team controversies
Image Credit: Global Times
This year’s World Cup has seen the Iranian team caught in a complex diplomatic situation.
According to Iranian media, at least 15 officials and support staff considered crucial to the team’s campaign were denied visas by US authorities.
Additionally, Iranian football officials have accused organisers of restricting ticket allocations for their supporters, allegedly to limit Iranian fans’ presence at matches.
The situation escalated further when Iran moved their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Reports suggest there were concerns about the US hosting the squad. Players were also required to enter the US only for matches and leave shortly after.
5. Visa issues
Image Credit: BBC, Goals.com
Visa issues have not only affected the Iranian team but also players and personnel from other countries.
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein reportedly endured nearly seven hours of questioning at Chicago O’Hare Airport before being allowed entry. Meanwhile, team photographer Talal Salah was denied entry after more than 10 hours of detention, which included a search of his mobile phone.
Switzerland striker Breel Embolo faced a similar issue. The Cameroon-born player’s situation was reportedly linked to a 2023 legal case involving alleged threats. He eventually secured emergency clearance after visiting the US embassy in Bern.
6. New Super Bowl-style format
Image Credit: Rolling Stone, TV Tropes, Billboard
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the 2026 final will reportedly feature a Super Bowl-style concert on 19 July. According to reports, the halftime show could be headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
The show aims to raise US$100 million (RM404 million) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While pop culture fans are excited about the star-studded lineup, others believe the extended break could disrupt the flow of the match and further commercialise the sport.
Featured Image Credit: USA Today, BBC
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