The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become the biggest tournament in football history, with 48 national teams competing across North America from June 11 to July 19.
The month-long spectacle, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will end at the New York/New Jersey venue after matches in major cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City and Monterrey.
Spanning an entire continent, the competition is expected to attract huge global crowds. The United States has already warned that international fans must complete all travel and visa requirements well in advance to attend what officials describe as a record-breaking event.
Naijaonpoint reports that Nigeria will not feature at the tournament after losing their qualification bid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A check of the US Department of State website on Thursday shows Nigerians remain among nationals subject to limited entry under Presidential Proclamation 10998, a restriction in place since January 1, 2026.
In February, the Federal Government said it was engaging the United States through diplomatic channels to secure Nigeria’s removal from the list affected by Washington’s immigrant visa restrictions. Three months on, there has been no visible policy change with the tournament now weeks away.
The situation means sports writers and fans may face constraints but can still apply for visas under specific conditions, although approval is not guaranteed. Travel guidance for some other countries, including Ghana, appears more detailed and less restrictive.
The Department of State added that it is committed to protecting the country and tournament participants through strict visa screening and national security procedures.
Meanwhile, scientists and climate experts have raised fresh concerns about dangerous heat conditions during the tournament. In an open letter reported by BBC Sport, medical experts, climate researchers and sports scientists urged FIFA to strengthen heat protection measures proposed by FIFPRO.
“Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat,” said Andrew Simms, who coordinated the letter. “We’re worried that FIFA is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players.”
The letter suggested that about a quarter of matches could be played in temperatures above 26°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a key measure of heat stress. Scientists warned that roughly five matches could exceed 28°C WBGT, conditions considered unsafe for professional football.
Researchers say the risk of extreme heat has nearly doubled compared with the 1994 World Cup in North America. Thunderstorms and wildfire smoke have also been flagged as potential threats.
FIFA said it would deploy a “tiered heat mitigation model” and dedicated meteorological monitoring across host cities. Kick-off times have been planned to avoid peak heat and to prioritise covered stadiums where possible.
Critics, however, say climate change is raising serious questions about the future of summer sporting events.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
Share this with someone who needs to see this.