A recent analysis by Canada Sports Betting has placed Mississippi as the second most challenging state in the United States for fans who want to experience the FIFA World Cup in person.
While the Central time zone makes watching matches from home relatively easy, the state’s limited air travel options and modest cost of living create steep obstacles for anyone hoping to travel to the tournament’s host cities.
The World Cup schedule, running from June 11 to July 19, will be spread across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but the nearest large international gateway for Mississippi residents lies outside the state, forcing many to endure lengthy drives or connecting flights.
The study also highlights that fans in Egypt face the toughest overall viewing situation, as extreme time‑zone differences and high travel expenses compound the difficulty of following the tournament live.
Other states that round out the top ten include West Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, Maine, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio, each presenting similar logistical or financial hurdles.
Implications for broadcasters and policymakers
Experts such as Bonnie Bolden argue that improving regional air connectivity and addressing cost barriers could broaden access to global sporting events, benefiting both local economies and fan engagement.