Anti-US sentiment and the conflict in Iran are set to have a major impact on the FIFA World Cup, according to security experts. The United States, currently engaged in a conflict with World Cup qualifiers Iran, will host the majority of this summer's tournament, which kicks off in just over a month.
Preparation for the World Cup, featuring 48 nations from six continents, has been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions and security concerns that have spread to co-hosts Mexico, where cartel leaders were killed, and Canada, where some nations have faced visa problems.
“More broadly, sentiment toward the US is becoming a factor in its own right,” said Dylan Evans, a director of security solutions at International SOS, a London-based health and security risk provider. “The convergence of geopolitical tension and domestic policy is creating a more contested perception environment for some international travellers. In practice, that translates less into direct risk and more into increased scrutiny at borders, heightened sensitivity among travellers, and a persistent backdrop of protest activity in major cities.”
US, Mexico, and Canada World Cup Concerns
North America has experienced several high-profile security breaches recently. The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was targeted in a shooting that appeared to be an attempt on President Trump's life. In Mexico, a shooting at an archaeological site likely to be on World Cup fans' itineraries killed a Canadian tourist. Last week, multiple organisations issued security and travel advisories for the US during the World Cup period, warning of risks to human rights, while security is expected to be heightened across the country.
Evans added: “In Mexico, recent high-visibility incidents have elevated the perception of risk, even where these remain localised. For organisations, that distinction matters – because perception can have a disproportionate impact on decision-making, travel policies, and executive confidence.”
“In Canada, healthcare capacity is an important, and often overlooked, consideration. As a publicly funded system, major international events can place additional strain on services, including emergency response and hospital access. For international visitors, that can translate into longer wait times and a greater need for upfront planning around medical support and insurance.”
US intelligence has warned of heightened terror risks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, nearly 30 years after 100 people were arrested over a foiled terror plot at the 1998 World Cup backed by Osama bin Laden. The plot reportedly involved the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria targeting England's 2-0 victory against Tunisia in Marseille.
