The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most inclusive tournament to date, featuring a record number of participating nations. However, this expansion occurs alongside significant concerns regarding exclusion, as highlighted by Professor Jules Boykoff. Visa restrictions, inflated ticket prices, and anxieties surrounding immigration enforcement are creating barriers for many fans and participants. These factors, combined with existing geopolitical tensions, are transforming the event into a highly politicized spectacle. Boykoff, a former professional footballer and author specializing in sports politics, points to a contradiction between the tournament’s inclusivity in terms of national teams and its exclusionary practices affecting individuals. The event risks becoming less a celebration of the global game and more a reflection of complex political realities. These issues raise questions about accessibility and who truly benefits from the World Cup’s expansion.