Although Donald Trump has restricted fans from certain countries from attending the World Cup later this year, there are millions who are unable to go for entirely different reasons.
The World Cup, one of the most significant sporting events, is set to take place in the United States this summer, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.
Prior to the tournament, the president has halted migration visa applications for several countries, causing anxiety among fans from Morocco, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, Cape Verde, Uruguay, Senegal, Algeria, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Ghana, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Iraq, and Brazil about entering the U.S.
Supporters from Haiti and Iran are completely banned from entering the U.S., but those from other affected countries might be able to obtain a FIFA Pass. This initiative allows fans to secure priority visa interview appointments before the tournament.
Entering the U.S. is only part of the challenge, as exorbitant ticket prices are preventing millions from attending the World Cup.
In December, FIFA revealed that the cheapest ticket for the World Cup final in New York would cost a staggering $4,000. Some tickets for the event at Metlife Stadium could reach up to $8,000.
Ticket prices for the World Cup vary depending on the competition stage. For instance, group game tickets range from $140 to $2,735.
Tickets for the Round of 32 games can cost up to $790, increasing to nearly $1,000 for the quarterfinals.
For those looking to attend the semi-finals, the minimum ticket price is an astounding $905, with top-tier seats priced at a hefty $3,295.
The final’s cheapest ticket is approximately $4,185, with the priciest match day pass at $8,680.
In response to criticism, FIFA introduced a ‘small number’ of ‘more affordable’ $60 tickets.
These tickets, quickly sold out, comprised 10 percent of each nation’s total allocation for the World Cup.
Football Supporters Europe, a fan organization, accused FIFA of setting ticket prices using ‘a variable pricing policy based on vague criteria such as the perceived appeal of the fixture.’
The group explained, “Fans of different national teams will therefore have to pay different prices for the same category at the same stage of the tournament.”
After launching the $60 tickets last December, FIFA stated, “We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do.”
As expected, fans have expressed their displeasure with FIFA’s high ticket prices.
One person revealed that although they can afford the tickets, they plan to boycott the games as a matter of principle.
“Frankly I have the money to buy tickets if I really wanted to, but I just can’t bring myself to do so on principle,” they wrote on Reddit.
Another commented, “England expat here living in the DC area and always dreamed of following England in a World Cup. I have zero desire to do this given ticket/hotel costs.”
Despite the criticism, World Cup tickets are selling, and it’s difficult to envision a situation where the stadiums are empty during the tournament.