Record-breaking ticket demand
This weekend, FIFA announced it received approximately 500 million ticket requests through its World Cup pricing system. The most sought-after matches include Mexico vs. South Africa, the tournament’s opening match, as well as Colombia vs. Portugal, Mexico vs. South Korea and the final match on Sunday, Jul. 19 in East Rutherford, N.J. Participants in FIFA’s ticket lottery who requested specific matches will receive notification of their allocation no earlier than Feb. 5.
U.S. immigration restrictions impact qualifying nations
On Jan. 21, the U.S. State Department’s new ban on immigrant visas will take effect. A department memo stated that consular officers were instructed to refuse visas while the department was reviewing its screening procedures. The memo identifies 75 countries whose immigration appointments will be halted indefinitely pending further review.
Of these 75 countries, 15 are World Cup qualifying nations: Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Haiti, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.
While the halt applies specifically to immigrant visas rather than the tourist visas required for World Cup attendance, the implications for spectators remain significant. The directive requires U.S. Embassy and consulate officials to conduct comprehensive vetting of tourist visa applicants, requiring them to demonstrate they will not rely on public benefits at any point after entering the United States. This intensified scrutiny means the visa process will be slower and less efficient than fans anticipated, creating an uncertain environment likely to deter many prospective attendees from making the journey.
The United States has assured ticketholders that further information regarding the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System will be shared in early 2026. This, however, addresses only a fraction of the World Cup experience. The tournament’s unique atmosphere extends far beyond those holding match tickets.
Having attended three World Cups across three continents — Brazil, Russia and Qatar — I’ve witnessed how the event’s spirit transcends cultural differences. This atmosphere emerges from the influx of international visitors, not solely from ticketed fans. The matches drive the tournament forward, but the World Cup experience is held together by everyone who travels to participate in the celebration.
Boston receives security funding
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced that the state is receiving more than $21 million in federal funding to enhance security against drone threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
As one of 16 North American host cities, Boston will see seven World Cup matches played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro throughout June and July. The funding breaks down to nearly $11 million for Boston police, around $3.5 million for the Foxboro Police Department and more than $6.5 million for Massachusetts State Police.
According to Healey, these grants will enable state and local law enforcement to strengthen their security infrastructure, training programs and equipment to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors during the matches and associated festivities.
The money is allocated through FEMA’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems grant program, which was created under recent federal legislation. Agencies receiving these funds can acquire technology designed to detect, monitor and disable drones that could present security risks.
This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s December signing of a defense spending bill that grants law enforcement the authority to neutralize drones at major public events like sporting competitions.
