The biggest World Cup in history is running into a problem that no amount of sponsorship money can solve: getting people through US border control.

EU Commissioner for Sport and Culture Glenn Micallef addressed growing concerns over US travel restrictions affecting World Cup participants during an appearance on Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today on June 10. His message was diplomatic but pointed. Host countries get to decide “who has access,” he said, while stressing that “football should be accessible to everyone.”

Visa denials cast a shadow over the tournament

The FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the largest edition ever staged. The US alone is hosting approximately 78 out of 104 total matches.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry at Miami airport in June 2026, despite holding valid paperwork. His case became a lightning rod for broader frustration over visa processing, particularly for participants from countries like Iran that face heightened scrutiny under current US policy.

Micallef’s comments reflected an ongoing dialogue between European stakeholders and FIFA leadership about fan experiences and security across the three host nations. The Commissioner acknowledged the sovereignty of host countries over their borders.

Previous World Cup hosts have typically implemented special visa arrangements or waivers for accredited participants and ticketed fans. Russia introduced a “Fan ID” system in 2018. Qatar had a similar Hayya card in 2022. The absence of a comparable frictionless system for 2026, at least one that overrides standard US immigration procedures, is the root of the current anxiety.

Kraken and Crypto.com’s World Cup gamble

On June 9, FIFA announced Kraken as the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the World Cup 2026.

Kraken isn’t alone in the space. Crypto.com has been running its own World Cup promotional campaigns, offering Visa debit cardholders chances to win premium tickets and accommodations. That promotion’s entry period closed on May 10.

What this means for investors

For tokens associated with these platforms, particularly CRO for Crypto.com, the World Cup cycle could generate sustained retail interest. The Crypto.com Arena deal, worth $700M in naming rights, didn’t spike CRO overnight, but it kept the brand in front of millions of NBA fans for years.

Investors should watch two things closely in the coming weeks. First, whether FIFA and US authorities implement any expedited visa arrangements that defuse the access controversy. Second, whether Kraken or Crypto.com release any engagement metrics tied to their World Cup activations.