PARIS — Former France striker Thierry Henry has voiced concern that preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States risk being dominated by non-sporting controversies, warning that the tournament could “feel like a mess” amid growing debates over visas, ticketing and political tensions.
“The more I look at this World Cup, the more it feels like football is fighting battles that have nothing to do with football. That’s what worries me,” Henry said in comments circulated by European media.
“We’re talking about the biggest sporting event on the planet, yet the conversation isn’t only about players, tactics, or the countries that qualified. It’s about travel issues, ticket disputes, and politics.”
His remarks come amid unverified reports that Iran’s supporter ticket allocations were disrupted shortly before the tournament, a claim that has raised concern among fans but has not been officially confirmed by football authorities.
Henry also highlighted the situation involving Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was selected by FIFA for World Cup duty but later reportedly encountered entry complications despite holding valid travel documentation.
“FIFA selected him because they believed he was one of the best referees in the world. He earned that opportunity on merit,” Henry said. “Yet he was denied entry into the United States despite reportedly holding a valid visa. Suddenly the story stopped being about football and became about something else entirely.”
He added that such situations risk undermining what should be celebratory moments for the sport in Africa and beyond.
Henry also criticised rising costs associated with attending the tournament, including accommodation and travel, arguing that the World Cup risks becoming increasingly inaccessible to ordinary supporters.
“The World Cup should be accessible to ordinary football fans, not only the wealthiest ones,” he said.
“Football has always been at its best when it unites people from different cultures, religions, and political backgrounds. That’s the beauty of the game.”
He warned that growing disputes over access and administration could overshadow the sporting spectacle itself.
“The danger is when political disputes begin influencing who can attend, who can officiate, and how supporters experience the tournament. That is a road football should avoid.”
Despite his concerns, Henry said he remains confident the tournament will deliver memorable moments, but urged organisers to keep the focus firmly on football.
“I still believe the World Cup will produce incredible moments, but FIFA must make sure that football remains the main story. Politics has enough stages already; the football pitch shouldn’t be one of them.”
