The world is coming to America for next summer’s World Cup. There are big concerns over whether the US is ready
The United States is preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a monumental event that will bring millions of international visitors to the country. However, top travel executives are sounding the alarm, warning that the US travel system is woefully unprepared to handle the influx of foreign travelers. The concerns are multifaceted, ranging from lengthy wait times for fan visa approvals to outdated technology and staffing shortages that could lead to long waits for visitors to clear customs.
The US Travel Association estimates that between six and eight million international visitors will arrive in the US for the tournament, with over three million people moving through America's airports approximately 50 times in 2026. This surge in demand is expected to overwhelm the system, which is already struggling to keep up with current demand.
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, and William Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts International, are urging the administration to take immediate action to address these concerns. They warn that if the US is not prepared, it could lead to a negative experience for international visitors, damaging the country's reputation and economy.
One of the primary concerns is the visa approval process. With 42 countries participating in the US visa waiver program, citizens of countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay will need to apply for visas to enter the US. However, wait times for interviews with consular services in these countries can be extensive, with some waits exceeding 700 days.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is working to implement a comprehensive travel facilitation strategy to minimize delays at international airports and land ports of entry. The agency is also ramping up its use of biometrics technology and other inspection capabilities to increase efficiency.
Despite these efforts, Freeman and Hornbuckle believe that more needs to be done to address the systemic issues plaguing the US travel system. They are calling for the White House to establish an interagency task force to coordinate planning for the World Cup across the federal government.
In a positive development, President Trump announced the creation of a White House task force to oversee preparations for the World Cup, just a day after the concerns were raised. The task force will be chaired by the president himself and will work to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.
The success of the 2026 World Cup has significant implications for the US economy and its reputation as a host nation. With the tournament expected to generate billions of dollars in economic activity and create thousands of jobs, it is crucial that the US gets it right.
As the US prepares to host a decade of high-profile events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2034 Winter Olympics, the importance of addressing these systemic issues cannot be overstated. If the US can successfully host the World Cup, it will set the stage for a decade of successful events that showcase American greatness.
However, if the US fails to address these concerns, it risks damaging its reputation and economy. The stakes are high, and it is imperative that the administration takes immediate action to address these concerns and ensure a successful tournament.
In conclusion, the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the US to showcase its capabilities and hospitality to the world. However, the country's travel system is facing significant challenges that need to be addressed urgently. With the creation of a White House task force, there is hope that the US will be able to overcome these challenges and host a successful tournament. The world will be watching, and it is crucial that the US gets it right.