With the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament is expected to attract millions of international visitors. However, as the event approaches, several travel-related challenges have emerged, ranging from ticketing controversies and visa complications to accommodation shortages and transportation bottlenecks. For travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), airlines, and hospitality providers, understanding these hurdles is critical to helping clients navigate the tournament successfully.

Getting the Tickets

FIFA's adoption of demand-based pricing has generated criticism from supporters, football associations, and consumer groups. Reports in May and June indicate that ticket prices for some high-demand matches have risen significantly due to adaptive pricing mechanisms, while investigations have been launched in New York and New Jersey regarding ticket pricing transparency and seating allocation practices.

Ticketing confusion has also intensified after FIFA acknowledged website glitches that mistakenly issued free tickets to some customers before later requiring payment or cancelling bookings altogether. These incidents occurred only days before the tournament's opening match, creating uncertainty for travellers who had already booked flights and accommodation.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts have warned of a surge in ticket scams, identifying thousands of fraudulent websites designed to mimic FIFA's official ticketing portal. With demand at record levels—FIFA previously reported more than 150 million ticket requests during initial sales phases—fraudulent operators are increasingly targeting desperate buyers.

What travellers need to do

To minimise ticketing risks, travellers should purchase match tickets only through FIFA’s official sales channels and avoid unofficial resale websites or social media advertisements, where fraud and invalid tickets are common concerns. Travel companies are advised to confirm ticket allocations before bundling flights, accommodation, and other travel services into packages, reducing the risk of disruptions for clients. For corporate groups and premium travellers, official hospitality packages can offer a more secure option, providing guaranteed match access along with additional benefits such as premium seating, hospitality lounges, and dedicated guest services.

Visa Hurdles

The United States hosts 78 of the tournament's 104 matches, making visa processing one of the most important travel considerations. Recent developments have highlighted the complexity of entry procedures. A notable example emerged this week when several members of Iran's World Cup delegation reportedly faced visa denials, forcing the team to establish a base in Mexico and commute to U.S. matches.

Broader concerns also persist around travel restrictions affecting citizens from certain countries. Industry analysts and policy experts have warned that some fans may face additional scrutiny or restrictions depending on nationality and visa status. There has been some positive movement. On 15 May, travel industry groups welcomed the U.S. government's decision to waive visa bond requirements for eligible World Cup ticket holders and accelerate visa processing through FIFA's Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS).

The best way forward with the visa

To reduce the risk of visa-related disruptions, travellers should begin their visa application process as early as possible, even if their travel dates are still several weeks away, as appointment availability and processing times can fluctuate. Eligible visitors should take advantage of the FIFA PASS programme and any associated priority visa appointment options where available. Travel planners may also consider incorporating multi-country itineraries that include Canada and Mexico, providing greater flexibility and reducing reliance on a single-entry strategy into one host nation. In addition, travel advisors should closely monitor evolving entry requirements, visa policies, and security procedures across all three World Cup host countries to ensure clients remain compliant with the latest regulations.

As Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said regarding the visa facilitation measures: "The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase America at its best."

Local Stay and Transportation

Industry reports indicate that soaring hotel rates in several host cities are prompting some travellers to reconsider or modify travel plans. Rising travel costs, including flights and local transportation, are adding further pressure on fan budgets. Transportation systems are also preparing for unprecedented demand. Host cities across the U.S. have been investing heavily in security and mobility infrastructure, but challenges remain. Several stadiums are located far from city centres, requiring reliance on shuttle services, charter buses, or commuter rail networks. In some destinations, public transport pricing has itself become controversial.

New York City has already announced special traffic restrictions around match days, while multiple host cities are suspending roadworks and expanding public transit services to accommodate visitor flows.

Security-related travel disruptions are also expected. U.S. authorities anticipate approximately seven million visitors and have deployed extensive security measures, including enhanced screening, surveillance technologies, drone monitoring, and large-scale interagency coordination.

Proactive Measures

To mitigate accommodation and transportation challenges during the FIFA World Cup 2026, travellers should secure their hotel bookings as early as possible, particularly in high-demand host destinations such as New York City–New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami, where room availability is expected to tighten significantly. Travel advisors can also recommend accommodation in secondary cities that are well connected by rail networks or domestic flights, where availability and pricing may be more favourable. Given the likelihood of enhanced security checks, road closures, and increased traffic congestion around match venues, itineraries should include additional travel time between destinations. Providing travellers with detailed public transportation plans before departure can help them navigate host cities more efficiently, while flexible hotel cancellation policies can offer valuable protection against changes in ticket allocations, travel schedules, or entry requirements.

Despite the operational challenges, the FIFA World Cup 2026 remains one of the largest tourism opportunities in modern history. Analysts estimate the tournament could generate more than US$41 billion in global economic activity, benefiting airlines, hotels, tour operators, and destination economies across North America.

For travel businesses, success will depend on proactive planning, early visa guidance, verified ticket sourcing, and carefully coordinated accommodation and transportation strategies. Those that can help travellers navigate the complexities of this unprecedented three-country World Cup are likely to benefit from strong demand while minimizing disruption for clients.