Why Russians Dream of the 2026 World Cup in the USA but Face Real Obstacles

The 2026 World Cup in Russian Minds

Now that the round of 16 is over and the playoffs will be played in stadiums across the USA, Canada and Mexico, interest in getting to the event is rising back home. A study carried out together by the Onlinetours service and the marketplace "Vyberu.ru" surveyed more than 2,500 people under 65 about sports tourism.

Wanting to see the tournament live

• 87 % of respondents dream of attending at least one major international sports event.
• 96 % would go to any significant sports match, and the centerpiece of their fantasy is the football World Cup.

These numbers show that even without the Russian national team on the field, the spectacle itself is a strong pull. Most Russians follow the games online, but the wish to "go there at least once" lives on regardless of how the home side performs.

How much are they willing to pay?

The research found that almost half of the participants would spend more than 200,000 rubles on a trip that includes the flight, accommodation and match tickets. One in four also considers taking a consumer loan to turn the dream into reality.

It’s worth noting that the real cost of a World Cup trip to the USA—flight, hotel and tickets—usually tops 500‑700 000 rubles per person. So the willingness to pay and to borrow looks rather bold.

Why the trip feels almost impossible?

No direct flights

For most Russians the first hurdle is the absence of direct air connections between Russia and the USA. Getting there means at least one layover, often in a country where visa rules can complicate the plan further.

Visa restrictions

Since early 2022 the US embassy in Moscow stopped issuing tourist visas in the usual way. There are no special fast‑track procedures for fans, unlike the 2022 Qatar World Cup when Russians could enter without a visa.

No national team

FIFA has extended the suspension of the Russian national team from international tournaments, so the World Cup 2026 roster does not include Russia. That adds a psychological layer: the lack of a "home" team could dampen interest, yet the data shows the desire to watch football live stays high.

Sports tourism in Russia: a growing trend

Experts name sports tourism as one of the fastest‑growing segments of the travel market. People increasingly plan vacations around big events—football matches, Formula 1 races, athletics championships.

For Russians the most affordable trips remain those to Europe for football games, as well as to countries that host Formula 1 on a relatively close geography—Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Singapore. Domestic sports events are gaining traction too, but international tournaments, especially ones as massive as the World Cup, attract a special kind of attention.

How to get ready for a possible trip?

If you’ve decided to put the 2026 World Cup on your wish list, think about a few steps ahead of time:

1. Watch visa rules. US visa issuance changes often, so check official sources regularly.
2. Plan the route early. Which host country you choose (USA, Canada or Mexico) will affect flight costs and ticket availability.
3. Assess the financial load. If you consider a loan, compare offers from different banks, looking at interest rates and repayment periods.
4. Book match tickets as soon as possible. Popular games sell out fast, and prices climb as the tournament approaches.
5. Arrange insurance. International travel requires medical coverage, especially for longer stays.

What to do if the trip isn’t feasible yet?

For those who can’t get a visa or gather the funds, there are alternatives:

• Online broadcasts. Most matches will be streamed live through official channels and paid services.
• Tournaments in neighboring countries. Keep an eye on the schedule for games that may be held in Canada or Mexico—sometimes those are easier to reach.
• Join fan events. Large Russian cities often host match viewings in bars or open squares, gathering fellow supporters.

Bottom line

The study makes it clear: Russians crave a live World Cup experience, are ready to spend sizable sums and even take out a loan. At the same time, reality is tangled by the lack of direct flights, frozen visa relations and the absence of a Russian team. Sports tourism is on the rise, and despite the hurdles, interest in major events stays high. If you want to be part of this story, start preparing now—track visa news, map out your budget and don’t let the dream sit on the back burner.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.