June 13, 2026
By Douglas Baye-Osagie
“If the stadiums are empty, the training pitches are poor, and even the airports feel like obstacles, then what are we really celebrating?” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa’s frustration still echoes. Everyone is complaining about poor facilities, organization, and logistics replacing the discussion about the superstars and football teams participating
The fears of football fans for about a year have come alive. America’s visa measures have made it difficult for lovers of the game to enter, follow their teams, and enjoy the World Cup atmosphere.
Ticket cost is the first wall. The energy of the game comes from fans who leave their workplace to follow the action. The passionate fans should not be cut off because of money. Group-stage prices have already been called “unusual and inflated” by supporters. Football stops being a working-class game and becomes a luxury product when the men in suits outnumber the men in shorts and singlets inside a stadium.
