Fifa has scheduled an emergency meeting after more than 16 000 fans cancelled pre-booked tickets for the 2026 World Cup on Monday, 12 January, citing concerns over the host nation’s policies and politics.
The unprecedented wave of cancellations targets the United States’ role as primary host, with Canada and Mexico serving as co-hosts for football’s biggest-ever tournament. Influencers have driven the online campaign, encouraging fans to withdraw their bookings in protest of President Donald Trump’s controversial foreign policy decisions, particularly the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and aggressive trade embargoes. Given that FIFA has a strict no cancellation policy on sold tickets for the World Cup, it is likely that the figure is reflective of people cancelling their participation in the in the third phase of ticket sales for the event, either the “random draw” selection process, or purchase via member organizations.
Fifa chief Gianni Infantino will most likely attend next week’s emergency meeting, according to Roya News, where officials will focus on curtailing the online protest and addressing fans’ concerns. The governing body may also outline critical security measures designed to reassure prospective attendees.
The crisis comes as 23 cross-party British MPs formally called on Fifa to expel the United States from the tournament until the country demonstrates “clear compliance with international law and respect for the sovereignty of other nations”. Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green Party and Plaid Cymru politicians signed the parliamentary motion, arguing that major sporting events “should not be used to legitimise or normalise violations of international law by powerful states”.
The politicians express particular alarm over the “kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro”, which they claim constitutes “a direct intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign state”. Their motion also highlights “repeated veiled and overt threats” towards Denmark, Colombia and Cuba, warning this “undermines the rules-based international order”.
MP Brian Leishman demanded consistency with Fifa’s treatment of Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “It’s an invasion of a sovereign nation and the kidnap of a president in Venezuela,” Leishman told the Daily Mirror. “When you see how Russia has been treated, which is absolutely correct, I just want there to be consistency.”
However, few expect Fifa will take action against America, particularly given Infantino’s close relationship with Trump, whom the organisation awarded its inaugural Peace Prize in December for his role in promoting peace between Israel and Palestine.
The 2026 edition marks a historic expansion to 48 teams, up from the previous maximum of 32, making it Fifa’s largest-ever tournament. Argentina currently hold the title after defeating France in the 2022 Qatar final.
The ticket cancellation crisis poses unique challenges for Fifa, which planned to use this multi-nation hosting model as a blueprint for future tournaments. The 2030 World Cup will also feature three hosts: Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
Trump’s immigration policies add further complications, with fans from four competing nations. Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast, facing full or partial travel bans. The European Democratic Party has warned it may ask national federations to withdraw if safety guarantees prove insufficient when the tournament begins on 11 June.
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