At this point, even I don’t know if this is yet football
If you had asked me a few years ago what football means, I’d probably give you a simple answer — a sport that unites millions, a game that’s all about passion, skill, and cheering for your team.
But lately, as the 2026 World Cup in the United States draws closer, I’ve found myself asking: At this point, even I don’t know if this is yet football.
When the Spirit of Football Gets Lost in Politics
Football has always been more than just a game. It’s been a way for people from every corner of the world to connect, regardless of language, race, or background. But with the upcoming World Cup hosted mostly by the US, things seem to be going a bit off track. Instead of being a celebration of global unity, this event is facing criticism for political decisions that put walls where there should be open doors.
The US government’s policies around migration and visas for fans have come under fire. According to some reports, there are strict visa restrictions and complicated entry procedures that seem to selectively block fans from certain countries. Players and officials might get a pass, but regular supporters? Not always.
Imagine you’re a devoted fan from a country whose nationals face tough visa hurdles. You’ve saved money, cleared your work and life schedules, and dreamed of being there, chanting with thousands of others from your homeland — and suddenly, your ticket isn’t enough. Visa denial or an endless wait becomes your reality. How is this fair?
Why Does This Matter So Much?
The World Cup is supposed to be a festival for everyone, a rare moment when political, cultural, and social borders blur. Fans bring the passion that turns a match into a historic event. But if thousands are excluded just because of where they come from, that spirit gets watered down.
This isn’t just about logistics; it’s about the heart of football. When fans can’t travel or feel unwelcome, the energy in the stadium and beyond dims. The diversity that has always fueled football’s magic takes a hit.
Real Fans Aren’t Behind the Policies
If you ask most football fans — and I’m one of them — we want our game to bring people together, not separate us. The idea that a sport like football could be used as a way to discriminate or make exclusionary political statements feels wrong on many levels.
This reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend who’s a lifelong supporter from a country currently facing tough US visa rules. She said, “Football is our pride and joy; it should never be a cause of sadness or division. It’s supposed to be for all of us.”
What Can We Do?
If you care about football, turning a blind eye isn’t an option. It’s important to speak up when a global event that’s meant to unite us becomes a tool for division.
That means staying informed, supporting voices who call out unfair policies, and reminding organizers that football isn’t just a match — it’s a bridge between people.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, the love for football endures. The game will go on, and hopefully, those who organize these huge events will listen to fans worldwide.
Until then, we keep asking ourselves: at this point, even we don’t know if this is yet football. But we hold on to hope that it can still be the beautiful game that welcomes everyone.
For more thoughts on football’s global impact and challenges, don’t miss our [Link to related post].
If you want to explore the official policies impacting visas, check out this detailed analysis by Human Rights Watch.