'Getting a visa for the FIFA World Cup in the US won’t be easy for South Africans'

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, but it’s fast becoming about more than just football.

The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States (US), where most matches will take place, as well as Mexico and Canada.

But US President Donald Trump recently issued travel bans on some of the countries that have qualified, leading to calls for fans and even teams to 'stay on the bench' and sit this one out.

Journalist Mike Wills, writing in the Daily Maverick, said that politics is starting to invade the pitch.

"[Trump] sees himself as hosting them personally. He doesn't see it as America's duty."

ALSO READ: Visa pause sparks fears over 2026 FIFA World Cup turnout

In his article, Wills suggests that both the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set to become political playthings of Trump.

More than a dozen World Cup-qualifying countries are on the list of some 75 for which the US has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing.

Following the announcement, talks of a boycott of the event began, and media reports earlier this month suggested some 17,000 World Cup tickets were cancelled 'overnight'.

But despite the concerns and uncertainty, Wills remains confident it'll be 'alright on the night'.

"I think the probable outcome is that we will have a World Cup that no one will boycott, and we'll go ahead. So, it will probably go ahead, OK, but boy, with Trump there is some choppy water, because he spends most of his time insulting his co-hosts."

However, when it comes to South African passport holders wanting to watch Bafana Bafana in action in Atlanta, Georgia, on 18 June, don't hold your breath, warns Wills.

"Good luck with a South African passport trying to get a visa if you want to see Bafana play in that game."

To listen to Wills in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below.