Nigeria, June 11 -- The FIFA Men's World Cup of 2026 was always going to offer visitors and spectators something different. Shared between three countries - Mexico, Canada and the United States - the latter of the three was set to be the designated font of mischief and disruptive mayhem. Add to this the rapacity of the world footballing body on ticket pricing, and we have a tournament foundering even before the first ball is kicked.

Of nagging concern are the various travel impediments that have been impressed upon ticket holders. Previous tournaments have seen FIFA mint arrangements with host countries granting exemptions on various immigration and entry requirements. Brazil permitted free temporary visas for ticket holders for the 201...