sports

January 21, 2026

The World Cup is out of reach for many. The hope lies outside the stadiums

The opportunity for this tournament’s legacy is in the fan fests, camps and tune-ups accessible to more than the lucky few

The World Cup is out of reach for many. The hope lies outside the stadiums

TL;DR

  • The 2026 World Cup will be the first staged in three countries and contested by 48 teams.
  • High ticket prices for the World Cup proper may lead to the emergence of a 'shadow World Cup' with more accessible events.
  • Opportunities for accessibility include fan fests, open training sessions, and pre-tournament warmup matches.
  • Teams will hold training camps across the US, expanding the World Cup's footprint.
  • Pre-tournament tune-up games will be played, with some restrictions on venues.
  • Fan fests are planned nationwide, with most expected to be free, unlike the expensive main event.
  • Creative efforts from host cities, federations, and US Soccer can help make the World Cup accessible to more people.

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