'A World Cup for them not us': Fans' anger at US travel bans and visa restrictions

"To go to a match, a stadium, a crowd, cheering, and see my team - that is worth the world to me."

— Abdulla Adnan , Activist

"It's a form of segregation that doesn't dare speak its name, but the proof is there."

— Julien Kouadio Adonis , Activist

"Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people."

— Byron Pillay , Other

"With the stance of America in particular, regarding the treatment of fans and immigrants in the country, I don’t believe it to be entirely safe to attend."

— Riaz Hamed , Other

"If participation can be shaped by geopolitical realities outside the game itself, does that ultimately undermine the inclusive ideals these tournaments claim to represent?"

— Khayran Noor , Academic

"FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cozying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated."

— Jamil Dakwar , Activist

"The silence has been deafening, and we are still waiting for public commitments from FIFA and host city organizers about plans to protect residents, workers, and visitors."

— Jennifer Li , Activist

"This advisory is about urging caution so that fans can arrive prepared, stay safe, and avoid preventable issues."

— Bailey Brown , Activist

"Fans, journalists and others traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup risk encountering a deeply troubling human rights landscape, shaped by the Trump administration’s racist immigration policies."

— Daniel Noroña , Activist

"I don’t know why the American president would want teams from certain countries not to take part. If that’s the case, they shouldn’t agree to host the World Cup."

— Djibril Gueye , Activist

"We really want to participate, but we don’t know how."

— Fatou Diedhiou , Activist

"It’s a celebration, football is a celebration, and for me, it would be a real shame."

— Emerse Fae , Executive

"It’s OK for us, we can play without supporters."

— Yan Diomande , Athlete

"Without question, he believes, the U.S. has been the worst host, and tournament organizers have demonstrated a 'complete lack of hospitality in every aspect.'"

— Tomonori Akutsu , Other

"It’s absolutely crazy – it’s just a group stage match."

— Emiliano Becerra , Other

"Wilson had never spent more than $200 for any World Cup match."

— Mike Wilson , Other