The road to the 2026 World Cup has hit an alarming bump.
Tens of thousands of fans have begun pulling out of the upcoming marquee tournament amid growing safety fears, political unrest and human rights
concerns in the United States — forcing FIFA to schedule an emergency meeting this week.
According to a report by Roya News, around 16,800 ticket holders cancelled their World Cup participation overnight, following calls for boycotts that spread rapidly across social media.
Because FIFA maintains a strict no-refund policy on sold World Cup tickets, the figure is believed to reflect fans withdrawing from Phase Three of ticket sales, including random draw applications and purchases through member associations.
Overseas fans in particular cited discomfort with the current political climate and concerns about personal safety while travelling in the US.
The tipping point for many appears to have been a fatal ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis — involving a 37-year-old mother of three killed during an ICE stop — which has raised fears about policing, public safety, and civil unrest.
The NYT did an excellent job debunking the allegations that Renee Nicole Good was trying to use her vehicle as a weapon. Justice for Renee Nicole Good.https://t.co/3ZQK3FeBBW pic.twitter.com/lQrsV72VAA
— Christopher Bouzy (spoutible.com/cbouzy) (@cbouzy) January 8, 2026
Federal agents fired tear gas at screaming crowds just a few blocks from where an #ICE officer in Minneapolis killed #US citizen Renee Good last week. pic.twitter.com/fMCTx4xA1R
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) January 13, 2026
What was supposed to be a global football festival is quickly becoming a source of unease.
The 2026 World Cup is historic: the first with 48 teams, and the first co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. But instead of anticipation, anxiety is growing.
Fans from Europe, South America, and Africa have openly said they no longer feel safe travelling to the US.
Because FIFA maintains a strict no-refund policy on sold World Cup tickets, the figure is believed to reflect fans withdrawing from Phase Three of ticket sales, including random draw applications and purchases through member associations.
The fallout is already being felt. Hotel bookings in host cities have reportedly slowed, while ticket resale prices have dipped.
In response, FIFA has scheduled an emergency meeting involving senior officials and tournament organizers.
Discussions are expected to focus on fan safety concerns, declining ticket commitments, and the growing reputational risk surrounding the tournament.
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