Research and analysis from WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute explores transnational issues surrounding the FIFA World Cup

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Research and analysis from WWU's Border Policy Research Institute explores transnational issues surrounding the FIFA World Cup

May 7, 2026

Western Washington University's Border Policy Research Institute recently published two papers related to cross-border preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"Global Sport in the Borderlands: Cascadia, Sport Diplomacy, and the Staging of FIFA World Cup 2026," by Journalism Professor Derek Moscato, draws from the staging of the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and Seattle. Moscato's research examines the cross-border flows of sport diplomacy in the Cascadia region that includes B.C., Washington, and Oregon. The project also explores the impact to date of regional teams from sports such as soccer, hockey, and football, as well as previous events like the 2010 Winter Olympics.

"What makes sport unique as a catalyst for regionalism and citizen diplomacy is its symbolic power," said Moscato. "That soft power in turn generates significant economic and cultural activity, including tourism, transportation, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, an international sporting event like the World Cup connects our region to the globe and puts a spotlight on Cascadia's longstanding reputation for U.S.-Canada diplomacy and cross-border cooperation."

As with many of BPRI's research initiatives, this report was supported by WWU student research assistants who created the maps within the report. The first is August Kaster, who graduated last year, and the second is senior Josie Herrick, both students in environmental science, with an emphasis in GIS.

The other paper is a border policy brief: "Highlighting Cross-Border Collaboration in Cascadia for FIFA 2026," co-written by BPRI Research Fellow Rosaline Leung, Director Laurie Trautman and Research Manager Jennifer Bettis. As the largest global sporting event in the world, the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup will heighten demand for cross-border travel in the Cascadia region, presenting unique pressures due to both increased volumes and the international make-up of travelers.

Leung, Trautman and Bettis assess the border policy implications of FIFA World Cup 2026 for the BC-Washington corridor, summarize progress since the last Border Policy Brief in 2024 that emphasized the challenges and opportunities that came with this event, and highlight key ongoing initiatives designed to support border agencies, travelers, and the broader visitor economy.

They conclude by pointing out that once the games come to an end, there is a unique opportunity for stakeholders involved in the planning process to leverage the momentum of these collaborations to institutionalize cooperative frameworks going forward to advance traveler mobility into the future.