Is the 2026 World Cup uniting audiences or using a framework that excludes sincere fans?

When Canada played South Africa in Los Angeles last week, I marvelled at the red sea of supporters from Canada.

A very large swath from Les Voyageurs Canada’s supporters group had turned up. It was something the players and the program noted appreciated. The role of the fans during this men’s World Cup is immense. The experiences of joy, grief, and connection are intrinsic to the tournament.

Fans are not simply pawns in a money-scheme but they add character, flair, joy and humanity to matches. I’ve been to several matches in Toronto and the fans are marinated in possibility and love with a very healthy chunk of nationalism.

After Canada’s first match against Bosnia at Toronto Stadium, Alistair Johnson said that he not only appreciated the fans turning up and it felt like the equalizer against Bosnia was “pulled into the net” because of the fans' energy.

The world’s most beloved game requires the world and needs fans to be present.

This tournament has not been without political complications and unfair policies directed at certain teams like Haiti or Iran who have had their mobility slashed and access for staff obstructed, not to mention the lack of entry for Omar Artan, a FIFA-qualified Somali official. 

If players and officials are thus treated, imagine how little regard there is for fans from those nations?

I asked Dr. Whitney Bragagnolo, a Canadian Sports Ethicist about Canada’s perception versus reality.

“The visa story is bigger than Canada, it reveals the limits of what even the world’s biggest sporting event can guarantee,” she told CBC Sports.

“FIFA organizes the tournament, but governments determine who gets to experience it in person. The World Cup can invite the world to participate, but governments decide who