As the United States prepares to host the FIFA Club World Cup, challenges related to international travel, fan safety, and economic instability are casting shadows over what should be an exciting sporting event.
This tournament will bring 32 professional club teams from across the globe to 11 American cities, competing for a $1 billion prize pool.
Often seen as a precursor to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States alongside Canada and Mexico, the Club World Cup seems to be lacking buzz both domestically and internationally.
The expansion from seven to 32 teams has reduced the event’s exclusivity, resulting in slow ticket sales.
Meanwhile, reports of foreign tourists facing detentions and visa processing setbacks add to the challenges.
The unpredictable nature of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and previous travel bans under President Donald Trump have not provided much comfort to international fans.
The impact of Trump’s policies on travelers is evident with data from the National Travel and Tourism Office, indicating a 9.7% drop in visitors to the U.S. during March compared to the previous year.
Tourism Economics forecasts a decline of 9.4% in international arrivals this year.
The U.S. Travel Association has encouraged the Trump administration to enhance visa processing and reduce customs wait times in preparation for upcoming large sporting events in the U.S., such as the Club World Cup starting June 14, the Ryder Cup, the 2026 World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Geoff Freeman, President of the Association, pointed out that the wait time in Colombia for a visa interview appointment is already around 18 months, possibly hindering some travelers from attending the 2026 World Cup.
He mentioned working with the White House’s World Cup Task Force to resolve these issues.
During a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed extending consular staff shifts and using artificial intelligence for visa processing.
He underscored the significance of the event, marking it as a presidential priority.
On the other hand, the Trump administration may have spurred additional concerns by implementing travel bans affecting 12 countries, with nine more facing restrictions.
Notably, Iran — yet in the race for the World Cup — is among these countries.
Although there is a proclamation exempting athletes, coaches, and essential support staff from these restrictions for major events like the World Cup, it does not extend to fans.
Concerns among fans are apparent, as evidenced by a Latin American supporters group in Nashville opting out of a Major League Soccer game due to ICE activity.
Nashville’s Geodis Park will host three Club World Cup matches.
Danny Navarro, a travel advisor known as TravelFutbolFan on social media, expressed that while the World Cup Task Force announcement addressed some travel woes, concerns persist.
Vice President JD Vance’s remark about fans needing to leave after the event implies unwarranted fears about people overstaying their visits, a notion that Navarro criticizes.
Fans attending the World Cup, often perceived as higher-spending, should not face the implication of being a security risk.
Navarro places some responsibility on FIFA to address these anxieties, highlighting the need for clarity and reassurance for both international visitors and the U.S.’s diverse and eager fan base.
The ultimate impact of these factors on the Club World Cup is uncertain, especially given that it does not share the World Cup’s global grandeur.
Ticket sales have been sluggish, with dynamic pricing adjusting downwards and promotions being rolled out frequently.
For instance, seats for the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo at the Rose Bowl on June 19 were available for as low as $33.45.
FIFA has introduced an incentive where purchasing two or more tickets to the Club World Cup could potentially guarantee a ticket to next year’s World Cup.
Yet, economic uncertainty and inflation fears might make fans cautious about investing in Club World Cup tickets when the main event — the World Cup — is on the horizon.
In some cities hosting the event, awareness of the Club World Cup seems minimal.
In Seattle, a solitary light rail station sign advertises the tournament.
Hans Hobson, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Soccer Association, pointed out that unlike national teams, some club teams playing in Nashville are unfamiliar to U.S. audiences.
“If it was teams from the Premier League or Bundesliga, then fans would recognize them and want to attend,” Hobson noted.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been traveling to various host cities, striving to generate excitement and expressing that “the world will be welcomed.” Yet, some believe the current environment in the U.S. isn’t conveying a warm reception.
Jesse Marsch, the Canadian national team coach, voiced his concern about the current political climate affecting travel to the U.S., suggesting that individuals must decide based on their circumstances and lifestyle.