As tensions among the United States, Canada, and Mexico rise under US president Donald Trump's trade policies, the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by these three nations, might be affected, as per a report. The once-celebrated vision of solidarity among the North American neighbours now appears more and more complex, with Trump's intensifying trade wars and immigration policies casting doubt on the global event. Will Trade Wars Impact the World Cup?The World Cup, which will welcome millions of foreign visitors to North America, may have a rough road ahead. Trump's tariffs on both Canada and Mexico, and the US increasing border checks, have raised concerns if foreign fans will still feel welcome or even able to travel, reported EsstN.The United States will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in June, golf’s Ryder Cup in September, and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, reported EsstN.Is Tension a Good Thing?During an Oval Office meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump said, “Oh, I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” quoted EsstN. He also claimed, “Tension’s a good thing.”Could Fans Boycott the World Cup?Former president of the US Soccer Federation, Alan Rothenberg, asserted that, “A passionate soccer fan is not going to be held up by that,” quoted EsstN. Rothenberg also gave reference to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, which had attracted over 3 million attendees each, reported EsstN.However, geopolitical tensions were already witnessed in a few sports events, as per the report. Fans in Canada recently booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a hockey match, reported EsstN. This has raised concerns if there would be similar behaviour during US games at the World Cup, reported EsstN.Smith College professor and an expert on the economics of sports, Andrew Zimbalis claimed that, “If relations between Canada and the U.S. deteriorate to the point that there are travel restrictions and spending restrictions, Trump would—just like he’s making exceptions all the time on his tariffs policies—make an exception for a month or six weeks,” quoted EsstN.Will Fans Be Able to Travel Easily?While some experts claimed that border policies could complicate travel, according to the report. An economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross, Victor Matheson said, “The main thing FIFA needs to move for this event is not car parts, and it’s not wheat, and it’s not electricity. It’s people. That’s your real concern,” as quoted in the report.Matheson also warned that previously smooth border crossings “could become much more challenging, simply because both sides amp up their level of inspections and the United States, in particular, cuts down government services that allow people to move effectively between countries.” quoted EsstN.FAQsHow much impact will politics have on the World Cup?While it could create challenges, passionate soccer fans are expected to push through and attend, as per experts.Will the trade wars affect travel to the 2026 World Cup?There are some concerns over stricter border policies and tariffs could make travel more difficult for foreign fans.