Mass shootings and gun violence in the U.S. could prevent many overseas fans from coming into the country to attend World Cup games in 2026. (Stewart F. House / Getty Images)The World Cup is coming to the U.S. in a little more than three years. Notably, each of the nine states that will stage World Cup games in 2026 has had multiple mass shootings this year. Of the seven states with the most mass shootings this year — more than 800 combined — six will be World Cup markets in 2026. Contrast that with New Zealand/Australia, co-hosts of this summer’s Women’s World Cup, which has seen 14 mass shootings combined since 1990.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 16, 2023 11:48 UTC