ICE raids and visa slowdowns in the US pose obstacles to the 2026 World Cup.

▲ Various organizations fear a decrease in fans in the stands. Photo @miseleccionmx

Karla Torrijos

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a10

The United States government's strict immigration policies, as well as the payment, starting October 1st, of the new "visa integrity fee," equivalent to $250 (4,605 ​​pesos), and the long wait times to obtain a visa, are some of the obstacles faced by fans planning to attend 2026 World Cup matches to be held there, which could cause a significant decrease in the number of expected attendees at the event.

Last Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly that he expects "countless people from all over the world" to attend next year's World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. "It's going to be very exciting. I hope everyone comes," he added. However, data from the U.S. government has confirmed a significant drop in international travel arrivals during the first few months of this year, a situation that could extend into 2026 and directly affects hotels, restaurants, airlines, and local businesses.

According to preliminary figures from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), foreign visits to the United States fell 2.9 percent year-over-year in August, to 3.5 million visitors, marking the sixth month this year in which travel declined compared to 2024.

Similarly, research conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), published last May, projected that the United States will receive just under $169 billion from the tourism sector this year, 22.5 percent less than in 2024, when the figure was $181 billion.

He also indicated that the United States will be the only country among the 184 he analyzed where spending by foreign visitors will decline by 2025.

“This is a wake-up call for the United States. The world's largest travel and tourism economy is going down the wrong path, not for lack of demand, but for lack of action. While other countries are welcoming, the US government is putting up the 'closed' sign,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC, in the report.

According to various reports, the decline in foreign visitors to the United States has been a factor since Donald Trump's return to the White House, and is primarily due to stricter immigration controls, high visa fees—a total of $435: $185 (official fee) + $250 (visa integrity fee)—and the various tariffs imposed in recent months.

Meanwhile, FIFA reported a few days ago that it received more than 1.5 million ticket applications from fans in 210 countries for the World Cup in the 24 hours following the pre-sale draw.

Demand for tickets to the tournament came primarily from the three host countries (Mexico, which always has a strong presence at the World Cup, the United States, and Canada), followed by Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil.

However, it's worth remembering that the recent Club World Cup and the Gold Cup, held in June and July at various stadiums in the United States, saw low attendance rates, primarily due to immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

At those tournaments, the tense climate experienced in several U.S. cities, especially Los Angeles, due to protests against immigration raids prevented Mexican fans from filling stadiums, as was customary for national team matches.

In a friendly match held in June in North Carolina, where Mexico defeated Turkey 1-0, more than half of the tickets went unsold. According to Soccer United Marketing, which promotes Mexico's matches in the United States, attendance was limited to no more than 20,000 fans, while the average attendance for the national team's matches was just over 50,000.

For Juan Carlos Barrón, researcher and academic secretary of the Center for Research on North America (CISAN) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), FIFA faces "an enormous challenge," given that all of Trump's measures, particularly regarding migration, "contradict everything the organization aims for. Its president, Gianni Infantino, has spoken of inclusion, and that's the last thing the United States has to offer right now."

Erendira Palma Hernández

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a10

With the experience of having been part of the logistics department for Brazil 2014, Mario Veraldo indicated that of the three hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico is the one that stands to gain the most for its tourism industry. It is facing a threshold of opportunity, and to achieve this positive impact, it must prepare and perfect its protocols to handle the large flow of customs traffic at ports and airports, not only during the tournament, but also in the months leading up to and following.

"In terms of logistics (customs), if the rules for entry and exit (of people and various products) are properly enforced, it will open the door to other events; this will be your calling card. In Mexico's case, reputation (abroad) will be more important than infrastructure," noted Veraldo, director of MTM Logix, a company in charge of logistics and supplies.

As the host of the tournament's opening match at the Azteca Stadium (now Banorte Stadium) and due to the tourist attractions and cultural diversity that make Mexico one of the world's top tourist destinations, Veraldo emphasized that this country will experience "a very large consumer exposure," not only during the month the tournament is held or during the period in which it will host the matches assigned to it by FIFA.

“Tourism in Mexico is more receptive to foreigners. Many of those who come to the World Cup will extend their stay in this country. Many will stay to rest after the tournament. The tourism sector will be the most important, but services, such as car rentals, restaurants, shopping centers, and even manicures and pedicures, will also experience an explosion of consumption,” he emphasized.

Just over a decade ago, when Brazil hosted the World Cup, Veraldo saw the changes in transportation and customs that accelerated the tournament, benefiting the local population in areas such as ground transportation infrastructure, especially in Sao Paulo, as well as technological infrastructure with the use of electronic passports.

Vanguard

Now, with the event's return to the Americas in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, he considered that there will also be an opportunity for logistics improvement in Mexico, such as the Felipe Ángeles Airport, which opened in 2022 with cutting-edge technology to speed up passenger access and departure.

"There will be several significant changes in this World Cup compared to previous ones. It's the first to be held in three countries, but even more significant is the number of teams, which has increased from 32 to 48. People from those nations will come, there will be a huge influx of people, and a very different impact compared to what we saw in previous editions.

“Mexico already has the infrastructure. I see the ports with the capacity to serve you very well; perhaps a little less so at the airports. As a passenger, the Felipe Ángeles is my favorite; it's incredible. But when it comes to cargo, it's not just about the airport, but also the connection to the SAT (Tax Administration Service). Everyone must be connected, and there are still challenges in that area,” he noted.

Based on his experience, Veraldo explained that there are three stages that must be considered in the logistics of a World Cup tournament. The first is the creation of infrastructure or construction of stadiums or transportation routes; the second is the basis of consumption for the event, for example, the increase in sales of television screens and all the marketing of tournament-related products.

And the third will be the entry and exit of both people—teams, staff , and fans—as well as supplies—from cameras, electronic devices, and clothing—for the World Cup to take place.

"The most important thing is planning, having a central plank that can be executed. Many people will be arriving, and all commerce will change. It's a huge spike in consumption, and there must be adequate planning for that," he said.

▲ The message was displayed by fans of Greek side PAOK, who faced Maccabi Tel Aviv yesterday in their Europa League group stage match at Toumpa Stadium in Thessaloniki, which ended in a scoreless draw. Photo AP

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a11

A large banner at the edge of the football field at Toumpa Stadium in Thessaloniki expresses a cry that grows louder every day: "Show Israel the red card." A growing outcry against the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli state against the Palestinian people has reached the sporting world, where demands for its sanction are being made. The message was displayed by fans of the Greek team PAOK against Maccabi Tel Aviv during their Europa League group stage match.

This comes a day after special rapporteurs working for the UN urged FIFA and UEFA to expel Israel from their competitions, such as the Europa League and the Champions League , as protests grow against the leniency shown by international sports bodies toward the country.

The Vuelta a España cycling race, for example, was interrupted in some stages and the closing ceremony with the awards ceremony was not held due to protests in Madrid against the participation of the Israeli Premier Tech team. But the International Cycling Union gave its support to that nation's team.

At some UEFA matches, organizers prevent fans from entering with Palestinian flags and banners supporting that country or condemning the genocide perpetrated by Israel, as happened at the Santiago Bernabéu during a Champions League match between Real Madrid and Marseille. But the protests are intensifying.

That's why police carried out a large-scale security operation outside the stadium yesterday ahead of the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv's match against the Greek host team PAOK.

Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, was the scene of two protests before the match, calling for Israeli clubs to be banned from European competitions in response to the heavy casualties in the war in Gaza. PAOK and Maccabi played to a scoreless draw.

It's worth remembering that Israel has been allowed to compete as a national team in Europe since 1991 and in continental club tournaments since 1992, even though it belongs to Asia.

Around 120 Israeli fans traveled to Greece for the match and were held behind a police cordon before entering the 28,000-seat Toumba Stadium. Officers from a special forces unit escorted the Maccabi bus to the venue, while bomb-sniffing dogs from the bomb squad inspected the site.

Earlier, protesters scaled scaffolding at a building complex that also houses the U.S. consulate and unfurled a banner reading “Genocide” in English from the side of the building.

Police arrested several protesters at the scene.

With information from Ap

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a11

The Argentine national soccer team will face Mexico and Honduras in June in the United States in the final preparation matches for the 2026 World Cup, shortly before the start of the competition, the Argentine national soccer federation announced yesterday.

"Although the March date is still pending, we have confirmed the games leading up to the June World Cup, which would be against Mexico and Honduras. We would play them in the United States; the stadiums have yet to be determined," Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, told the sports newspaper Diario Olé .

"With Mexico, it's going to be a great test, because they're always very good matches and it's just 15 days before the start of the Cup. Honduras is also going to be a tough opponent, but it's the final preparation," he added.

After finishing first in the South American qualifiers, the Argentine national team, world champions in Qatar 2022, will play Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October in Miami and Chicago, respectively.

"We're waiting to hear the decision in March, whether or not we'll play the Finalissima against Spain, one of the most competitive teams in the world," Tapia said, referring to the pending final between the American and European champions.

For its part, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), led by Mikel Arriola, has not yet confirmed the match against the Argentine team.

So far, the Mexican national team has only announced four friendly matches for the remainder of this year: against Colombia, Ecuador (in October), Uruguay, and Paraguay (in November).

There is also speculation that El Tri could face Portugal in March of next year, at the reopening of the Banorte Stadium (Azteca), although this information has not been officially announced by the FMF.

(With information from Reuters)

▲ The Sky Blue striker scored in the 83rd minute to keep La Máquina undefeated and in the lead. Photo by AFP

From the editorial staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a12

A match that seemed low-stakes almost ended in disaster for Cruz Azul. Gabriel Toro Fernández came to the rescue of La Máquina, following a mistake by goalkeeper Kevin Mier, to avoid an embarrassing defeat and secure a 2-2 draw against last-place Querétaro in the final stretch.

The unexpected result ended the Celestes' seven-game winning streak, though they remain undefeated at the top with 24 points, two more than Monterrey, after 10 rounds, while the Gallos are still struggling in 15th place with just eight points.

With expectations high following their near-perfect season under Nicolás Larcamón, La Máquina arrived at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario with high confidence. Thus, in the 14th minute, they took a risk with a move that would give them the lead when Carlos Rodríguez broke through the opposing defense to pass the ball to José Paradela, who fired a shot from the corner of the net.

The script for the match followed what the statistics dictated: Cruz Azul dominated against a Querétaro side that was floundering near the bottom of the standings in its first tournament under the ownership of American businessman Marc Spiegel.

However, the narrative would change when Uruguayan Santiago Homenchenko, a promising player in his home country who now seeks to make a comeback, emerged as the guiding force in the Gallos' attack to equalize the score just five minutes later with a shot from inside the box.

With his spirits already high, Homenchenko (20) found the perfect moment to take advantage of a vital error by Mier. The Uruguayan unleashed a powerful shot from further back in midfield that took the goalkeeper by surprise, who was unable to react and allowed the ball to reach the net.

The error unbalanced La Máquina, which was unused to the disadvantage scenario and would suffer on the field for the first time this season.

However, now, a reckless move on the part of both the Queretanos and the Celestes themselves would change the pace of the game for an intense outcome.

Jhojan Julio was sent off in the 62nd minute for a foul on Willer Ditta; La Máquina also finished with 10 men on the field when Luka Romero, one of the squad's young talents, was sent off for a harsh challenge on Francisco Venegas.

It was then that Cruz Azul took advantage of Querétaro's confusion and was saved from losing its unbeaten record – against a supposedly lower-ranking rival – with a goal by Toro Fernandez (83), which allowed him to emerge as the sky-blue hero.

Nerves dominated the final whistle after referee Karen Hernández, who was officiating her third match this season in the Liga MX, awarded up to 14 minutes of stoppage time, a considerable period in which neither team was able to secure a win.

In another match of the day, Tigres defeated Atlas 2-0 with goals from Ozziel Herrera in the fifth minute and Diego Lainez in the 62nd minute yesterday at the UANL University Stadium.

From the editorial staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a12

Rommel Pacheco, head of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE), stated that if the Olympic Games were held this year, Mexico would be guaranteed five medals.

The Yucatecan was optimistic about the growth of disciplines such as diving and archery and promised that they would not be left wanting in Los Angeles 2028.

"If the Games were held tomorrow, we'd have four or five Olympic podium finishes. You have to work and train to achieve results. The variables can be many," said the former diver.

This year, he added, some qualifying events will begin, so the national team members will have to redouble their training efforts to secure their spot as soon as possible.

"We have to start preparing today, because qualifying in an Olympic year is more difficult. Every sport has its own timing, and that's why we have to work with coaches and federations to define the schedule well. If we do everything right, we can even dream of surpassing the nine medals achieved in Mexico City in 1968."

The former diver led the presentation of the Pan American Archery Championship, which will be held in Chiapas. Olympic teammate Matías Grande also attended the event.

Fabiola Ramírez wins bronze in Singapore

Mexican Fabiola Ramírez won the bronze medal in the 200m freestyle S2 at the 2025 Singapore World Para Swimming Championships.

In a competition held at the OCBC Aquatic Center, the team finished with a time of 5:12.66 minutes, which meant third place and a record for the Americas.

The Guanajuato native and bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games gave the country its fifth medal in the competition.

▲ Mexican Isaac del Toro trained yesterday with Slovenian star Tadej Pogacar (left), his teammate on UAE Team Emirates, before the men's elite road race, which will be held this Sunday at the Cycling World Championships in Rwanda. Del Toro, who in the image is flanked by fellow tricolors Eder Frayre and David Ruvalcaba, will have Pogacar as his rival to beat, along with Belgian Remco Evenepoel. Photo AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, September 25, 2025, p. a12