Is the US ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Seven years after FIFA announced that the United States, Canada, and Mexico would co-host the 2026 World Cup, US President Donald Trump has convened the first meeting of his administration's 2026 World Cup task force. Questions are already being asked about whether the United States is ready to host the most prestigious sporting tournament in the world, with concerns being raised about visas, infrastructure, and poor security technology, among other issues. So, is America prepared enough to welcome millions of soccer fans next year, or is it on course to score an embarrassing own goal? 

The 2026 World Cup task force

In 2018, the United States, Canada, and Mexico won a joint bid to co-host the FIFA 2026 World Cup. President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his administration's 2026 World Cup task force on May 6, 2025, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.

The Club World Cup

Before the signing ceremony, Gianni Infantino had unveiled the Club World Cup trophy alongside President Trump in the Oval Office. The Club World Cup is being hosted in the United States this year and brings together club teams and many players from continents and cultures.

Will the US be ready to host the 2026 World Cup?

The main topic of conversation in the East Room, however, centered around the 2026 World Cup. Questions are being asked about the readiness of the US when it comes to hosting one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.

Travel ban

President Trump’s renewed travel ban affects citizens from 19 countries, raising concerns about attendance at the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. While athletes, coaches, and essential staff are exempt and can still participate, there are no current exceptions for fans from the affected nations, leaving their ability to attend in doubt.

Trump and his "51st state"

Canada and Mexico have both been hit with Trump's trade tariffs. The president has also voiced his desire to make Canada the 51st American state.

Mexico's answer

For her part, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected an offer from her United States counterpart to send US troops to Mexico to help combat drug trafficking.

View of the US Travel Association

More relevant, perhaps, is the report issued by the U.S. Travel Association that raises concerns about visas, infrastructure, and poor security technology.

Coping with millions of visitors

The reports says the US is not ready to host the upcoming mega decade of events that will draw millions of domestic and international travelers.

Unacceptable visa waiting time

The U.S. Travel Association has also highlighted visa wait times as a particular problem area. The US visa application is a complicated process. Approval times for some countries that may reach the World Cup—for example, Colombia—are currently running at nearly two years.

Department of State and FBI to step in

The Department of Homeland Security is looking to the Department of State and the FBI to handle visitors' travel documents.

"America will welcome the world"

During his meeting with President Trump in the White House, Gianni Infantino declared that "America will welcome the world."

Overstaying their welcome

"We want them to watch the game. But when the time is up, they'll have to go home," he said, highlighting the potential of visitors overstaying their welcome.

Host cities in Canada

North of the border, two cities in Canada—Toronto and Vancouver (pictured)—will host World Cup games.

A tournament money spinner

President Trump claimed that the tournament will generate "tens of billions of dollars in economic activities for local businesses" and "thousands and thousands of jobs for American workers."

Arriving on time

The main challenge for the Trump administration remains the processing of a huge number of visas for the foreign visitors expected to visit the United States in time for the competition.

Delayed?

And with wait times for some visa applications extending for a year or longer, the danger of the Trump administration scoring an embarrassing own goal is quite real.