FIFA is reportedly considering a dramatic reshuffling of the 2026 World Cup hosting arrangement. There is mounting speculation that matches scheduled for the United States could be relocated to Canada. This is due to escalating visa and immigration concerns.

Multiple sources close to the global football governing body indicate that recent U.S. immigration policies—seen as exclusionary—are threatening the integrity and inclusivity of the tournament.

Human rights groups and fan associations have raised alarms over visa restrictions that currently affect nationals from up to 43 countries, making travel into the U.S. nearly impossible for fans, media personnel, and team support staff.

The issue is particularly acute for qualified nations like Iran, whose teams may play without any fan presence in the stands due to their citizens being unable to secure U.S. entry visas. The situation has sparked outrage among supporters and advocates, who accuse FIFA of undermining its own principles of “access and non-discrimination.”

“FIFA risks contradicting its own statutes and public commitments to human rights, accessibility, and inclusion,” one observer noted, citing the organization’s obligation to avoid “any situation giving rise to a conflict of interests.”

Critics argue that by allowing the U.S. to impose stringent travel restrictions during a supposedly global event, FIFA is enabling an environment of exclusion and inequity.

While the U.S. remains a financial powerhouse and a key commercial partner in the joint hosting arrangement with Mexico and Canada, insiders say Canada is emerging as the “most logical” alternative. Canada offers political neutrality, logistical readiness, and a stable immigration policy that aligns more closely with FIFA’s stated values.

With just under a year to go before the 2026 tournament kicks off, FIFA is under increasing pressure to act decisively. A potential relocation of matches could mark a seismic shift in tournament logistics and planning, but would underscore FIFA’s willingness to uphold its principles in the face of political pressure.

FIFA has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

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FIFA has officially announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will open on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, as anticipation builds for what is being billed as the biggest and most inclusive tournament in the history of the competition.

Football fans around the world are urged to visit FIFA.com/tickets to register their interest and create a FIFA ID in preparation for the first ticket sales window.

“Following the incredible success of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, excitement is reaching new heights for the FIFA World Cup 26,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever.”

The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, significantly expanding from the previous 32-team format.

An estimated 6.5 million fans are expected to attend, making it the largest FIFA World Cup ever.

The action begins on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Mexico City, with the grand finale scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, at the New York-New Jersey stadium—venue of last Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup™ final.

 That tournament welcomed nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 U.S. cities, laying a solid foundation for the World Cup spectacle to come.

Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be conducted in multiple phases, beginning with the 10 September draw.

Each phase will feature unique purchasing processes, payment methods, and ticket types. Full details on the various phases will be shared in the coming months.

Fans are reminded that only those who have registered on FIFA.com/tickets and obtained a FIFA ID will be eligible to apply for tickets when the window opens.

Hospitality packages, including the “Follow My Team” option for group and round-of-32 matches, are already available for purchase at FIFA.com/hospitality.

Importantly, FIFA has emphasised that tickets should only be purchased through official FIFA channels to avoid invalid or fraudulent sales. Fans must also check with host country authorities regarding entry requirements, as a match ticket does not guarantee visa approval or access.

Visa, FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner, remains the preferred payment method for all ticket and hospitality purchases.

The Final Draw for the tournament will take place in December 2025, after which teams will be assigned to venues and match schedules, including confirmed kick-off times.

With global anticipation growing, FIFA encourages fans to start preparing now to witness football history unfold in North America.

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With just a year to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, concerns are mounting over the impact of extreme summer heat on players and fans.

According to experts interviewed by the BBC, FIFA may be forced to adjust match schedules drastically—possibly even staging the World Cup final as early as 9 a.m.—to mitigate the risks posed by soaring temperatures.

The warnings follow sweltering conditions witnessed during recent international and Club World Cup matches held in the U.S., where athletes and spectators alike were exposed to intense heat and humidity.

One of the leading voices raising the alarm is Professor Mike Tipton, an expert in thermal physiology at the University of Portsmouth. Speaking to BBC Sport, he emphasised the potential health risks of playing in extreme conditions and recommended that matches begin as early in the day as possible.

“From a thermo-physiological point of view, for health and performance reasons, I would look to start matches as early as possible,” Tipton stated, suggesting that even the final—traditionally held in the afternoon or evening—could be moved to a morning kickoff.

Tipton went further, noting that the ideal solution would be to host the tournament during a cooler time of year, as was done with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was shifted to November and December due to extreme heat.

However, with the 2026 tournament already locked in for June 11 to July 19, FIFA’s only remaining flexibility lies in scheduling match times.

The 2026 edition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across multiple cities, some of which are known for intense summer heat.

Health experts are urging organisers to prioritise player safety and fan well-being, warning that failing to act could lead to performance issues, heat-related illnesses, or worse.

FIFA has yet to publicly comment on any proposed changes to match schedules, but as temperatures continue to rise, pressure is mounting for the governing body to take decisive action ahead of football’s biggest tournament.

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