The dream of witnessing the world’s biggest sporting event is becoming a complex and costly gamble for many Kenyans, as the United States government signals a hardline immigration stance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament draw set for today in Washington D.C., the White House has refused to rule out immigration raids targeting fans, creating a climate of uncertainty.

This aggressive posture puts President Donald Trump's administration's policies on a collision course with FIFA's goal of a globally accessible tournament. The core of the issue lies in a sweeping travel ban that restricts citizens from 12 countries and places partial restrictions on seven others. Two of the qualified nations, Haiti and Iran, are on the full ban list, meaning their fans will be blocked from entering the U.S. to support their teams.

While players and official team staff from these countries will receive special exemptions to participate, the same courtesy has not been extended to the fans. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, emphasized that President Trump "does not rule out anything that will help make American citizens safer," a statement that has done little to calm the nerves of international visitors.

The Kenyan Reality: A Costly and Uncertain Journey

For a Kenyan fan, the journey to the World Cup is already a significant financial undertaking. The dream comes with a hefty price tag long before immigration concerns are even factored in.

• Flights: Round-trip tickets from Nairobi to major U.S. host cities can start from KES 110,000 to over KES 144,000.
• Match Tickets: Depending on the match and seating category, a single group stage ticket can cost between $60 (approx. KES 7,800) and $805 (approx. KES 104,650). Knockout stage and final match tickets can soar into thousands of dollars.
• Accommodation & Living Costs: Travel packages that include hotels and local transport for a group stage run from $3,500 (approx. KES 455,000) to over $7,000 (approx. KES 910,000).

Adding to this financial burden is the complex visa process. The U.S. State Department has introduced a "FIFA PASS" system to expedite visa appointments for ticket holders. However, officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been clear that an approved ticket and a fast-tracked appointment do not guarantee visa approval or entry into the U.S.

A Chilling Effect on Global Fans

The administration's tough talk is not limited to the travel ban. The refusal to rule out the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at stadiums or fan zones has sent a chill through immigrant communities and prospective tourists alike. Human rights organizations have warned that such an environment could be perceived as hostile and discriminatory, undermining the spirit of unity the World Cup is meant to embody.

FIFA, for its part, requires host nations to ensure ease of access for fans. The current U.S. stance appears to challenge these foundational requirements. While the administration insists it welcomes lawful visitors, its actions and rhetoric have created significant confusion and anxiety.

As the world tunes in for the draw, many potential fans, including thousands in Kenya, are left to weigh their passion for football against a backdrop of political uncertainty. The beautiful game, they are discovering, is not immune to the harsh realities of global geopolitics.