Fans put off by prices, some denied visas, and locals more fired up about basketball: the 2026 World Cup is kicking off without much enthusiasm in the United States.

FIFA scrambles to protect 2026 World Cup access as US travel bans covering 39 countries threaten fans and teams, with match relocations to Canada under

As the 2026 Fifa World Cup kicks off in North America, the tournament is already living up to expectations of a hostile and exclusionary reception by its main host nation.

Anticipation grows after muted build-up to tournament