Jan. 9, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — The World Cup has always been more than a tournament; it is a quadrennial “Global Village” where the world puts aside its borders for ninety minutes at a time. But as we approach the 2026 kickoff, that village is being replaced by a fortress. The United States’ current immigration stance—marked by travel bans for 39 nations and “extreme vetting” for others—is fundamentally altering the spirit of the game. We are moving toward a “Two-Tier World Cup” where your ability to cheer for your national team is determined by the strength of your passport, not the depth of your passion. Continue reading →