In a stunning turn of events, President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation has cast a shadow over the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, raising alarms about accessibility and inclusivity for global fans. As the United States prepares to host what is set to be the largest World Cup in history, a travel ban affecting 12 countries threatens to lock out millions of supporters, potentially costing the economy billions.

Signed just ahead of the one-year countdown to the World Cup, Proclamation 10,949 prohibits entry to fans from nations like Iran, Somalia, and Yemen, while athletes and coaches remain exempt. This stark policy creates a jarring contradiction: the U.S. welcomes athletes but shuts out the very fans who make the event vibrant. The economic implications are dire, with projected losses in tourism and sponsorships already surfacing as hotel chains and airlines adjust their forecasts downward.

Host cities, initially eager to roll out the red carpet, are now grappling with uncertainty. Philadelphia’s World Cup executive expressed concern over the global scrutiny of how the U.S. manages this crisis. The exclusion of fans has sparked outrage, leading to calls for boycotts and demands for FIFA to intervene. However, FIFA’s silence on the matter and its apparent complicity with U.S. policies have raised questions about its commitment to inclusivity.

The backlash is palpable, with social media buzzing with hashtags like #boycott2026, as fans voice their frustration over being denied entry based solely on their nationality. This policy failure transcends sports; it strikes at the heart of the promise that sports should unite, not divide. As the world watches, the integrity of the World Cup—and by extension, the United States’ role as a global host—is at stake. If America cannot guarantee access for all, the question looms: should it still be allowed to host the world? The promise of the World Cup hangs in the balance, and the time for action is now.