In a recent statement, members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, including Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, issued a stern warning to international visitors planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The officials cautioned against overstaying visas, underscoring the administration’s strict immigration enforcement policies as the country prepares to co-host the global soccer tournament with Canada and Mexico.
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The warning comes amid growing concerns over visa processing delays and potential travel restrictions that could impact the millions of fans expected to attend the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history with 48 teams and 104 matches, is expected to attract approximately 10 million tourists to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Visa challenges are looming over the event. A March 2025 report by The Athletic highlights that 45% of travelers from soccer-strong nations like Brazil and Colombia face significant hurdles, with Colombian visa appointment wait times exceeding 700 days.
These delays and fears of denials may prevent many fans from attending, risking empty stadiums during the tournament.
FIFA has expressed concerns over the U.S. visa process, urging the Trump administration to honor its commitments from the 2026 bid process, which included government guarantees to facilitate travel for fans.
The U.S. Travel Association has raised concerns that the opportunity for first-time visitors to secure visas for the upcoming 2026 World Cup is quickly diminishing.
Despite this warning, the State Department reassures that over 30 million travelers possess valid U.S. tourist visas and should encounter no problems in their travel plans.
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FIFA is also collaborating with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to simplify visa processes, highlighting the potential $5 billion economic benefit for the U.S. from the tournament.
As preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue, the tension between hosting a global event and enforcing stringent immigration policies remains a key challenge for the Trump administration. Fans and stakeholders alike are watching closely to see how these policies will shape the tournament’s accessibility and success.
