As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, top travel executives have raised alarms regarding the preparedness of the US travel system to accommodate the anticipated influx of international visitors. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, and William Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM Resorts International, conveyed their apprehensions to CNN, highlighting lengthy wait times for fan visa approvals and outdated customs technology as major hurdles that need to be addressed swiftly.
Freeman emphasized that action is imperative, stating, “We’re running out of time. It’s only 16 months away from the kick-off,” indicating that more resources must be allocated immediately to prepare for this monumental event. With millions of fans expected, any delays in visa processing could discourage many from attending, particularly from countries ineligible for the US Visa Waiver program, such as Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil, where wait times for interviews can exceed a year.
Furthermore, issues with customs processing could lead to extensive lines at airports, detracting from the tournament’s experience. “If we’re not prepared … you will have lines out of airports,” Freeman noted, stressing the visual implications for the event’s perception worldwide. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated its readiness to implement measures to alleviate this burden, including hiring additional personnel for host cities and employing advanced biometric technologies for more efficient processing.
President Trump’s administration, which views the successful hosting of the World Cup as a significant achievement, has been called to establish a focused interagency task force to coordinate efforts among federal agencies — a suggestion that was recently acted upon by Trump, as he announced the formation of such a task force. In a ceremony with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump declared, “It’s going to be the biggest event, I think,” underscoring his commitment to ensuring a smooth process for fans and athletes alike.
The repercussions of the event extend beyond just fan travel, with estimates suggesting the World Cup could generate substantial economic benefits, amounting to billions of dollars, while fostering international goodwill. Yet, as Hornbuckle warns, failure to properly prepare could lead to a significant missed opportunity for the United States to properly showcase its capabilities on a global stage.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the emphasis on proactive measures to enhance the travel experience resonates louder, with the sports community and fans alike looking to the Trump administration to rise to the occasion and deliver a tournament reflecting American excellence and hospitality.