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Los Angeles is buzzing with World Cup 2026 excitement, but soaring ticket prices and concerns over U.S. visa and immigration policies are keeping many passionate fans from attending matches.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed it denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, a FIFA-selected official for the 2026 World Cup, citing vetting concerns. Artan, who would have been the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match, arrived at Miami Airport with a valid visa but was turned away. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over U.S. visa policies and the Trump administration's travel ban affecting several nations.
Despite being marketed as a 'money-printing machine' for host cities, the 2026 World Cup faces a grim reality with lower-than-expected hotel bookings, soaring ticket prices, and visa policy barriers deterring international tourists. Domestic travelers are also squeezed by economic pressures, threatening the anticipated economic boom for cities like New York, Dallas, and Vancouver.
