Over nearly three years of Israeli aggression, dozens of students in Gaza have secured scholarships and admission to European universities, only to find their path to the classroom blocked at another set of doors.

The logistical and security arrangements in the U.S. host cities have sparked international reactions and criticism, amid calls from some football fans to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States has faced criticism over visa restrictions, security issues, and unequal treatment of teams and fans, with comparisons to Qatar 2022 and concerns about FIFA’s neutrality.