World Cup boycott rumors collide with record demand

Growing anticipation around the 2026 tournament

Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are accelerating as host countries finalize venues and logistics for the expanded tournament. According to reporting by Marca, the opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations ahead of the event.

Despite high ticket prices, interest in the tournament has remained strong. FIFA has described demand as unprecedented, reflecting the global appeal of a World Cup staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Fans from more than 200 countries have already submitted ticket requests, signaling sustained enthusiasm as the countdown to kickoff continues.

Online boycott claims gain visibility

Alongside the growing excitement, social media platforms have seen an increase in posts alleging that thousands of World Cup tickets were canceled as part of a political protest. According to Marca, some users linked these claims to opposition against U.S. immigration policies, using hashtags such as #BoycottWorldCup.

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One widely shared post came from professor Eliot Johnson, who published a photomontage on X with the message, “Dear world: please boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Thank you.”

Other posts repeated similar arguments, urging fans to withdraw support for the tournament and questioning whether the United States should host a global sporting event of this scale.

Individual protests amplify the narrative

Marca reported that a limited number of individuals publicly stated they had canceled travel plans. One of the most cited examples was Lebanese diplomat Mohamad Safa, who said he withdrew his tickets in protest and expressed concerns about safety when traveling to the United States.

While these actions were presented as symbolic gestures, they helped fuel broader claims online that a mass boycott was underway.

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No evidence of mass ticket cancellations

Despite repeated online assertions, there is no confirmed data showing that nearly 17,000 tickets were canceled. According to figures cited by Marca from FIFA, more than 150 million ticket requests have already been submitted worldwide, a level of demand that contradicts the idea of widespread cancellations.

Neither FIFA nor independent media organizations have released information supporting claims that ticket sales have been significantly affected by boycott campaigns.

How rumors shape perception around ticket sales

The absence of verified data has raised questions about the intent behind the boycott claims. The pattern suggests that the rumors may be attempting to create a narrative that encourages uncertainty and pressure among ticket holders, potentially prompting resales or cancellations based on fear rather than fact.

Despite the online noise, the World Cup remains a tournament where fans traditionally support their national teams and players regardless of political context or host location. History shows that loyalty to country and sport tends to outweigh calls for boycotts, especially once the competition begins and the focus returns to the pitch.

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Verified facts versus viral claims

At this stage, reports of mass ticket cancellations linked to a political boycott remain unsubstantiated. What is confirmed, according to FIFA data cited by Marca, is that demand for the 2026 World Cup continues to exceed supply as preparations move forward.

While social media debates are likely to persist, available evidence shows no disruption to ticket demand or tournament planning tied to boycott narratives.

Sources: Marca, FIFA

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