The United States is already collaborating closely with Mexico and Canada in our joint effort to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This thrilling new format will feature an expanded field of 48 teams. The tournament is set to begin in the summer of 2026. This is a momentous occasion for the joint hosts, considering that the last time the US hosted the men’s World Cup was in 1994.
Look for Los Angeles to be at the center of six games during this global sporting event. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the nation indeed! In anticipation of the influx, the Trump administration is introducing a new quick-issue visa program. This new system will help expedite the entry process for fans and attendees who are traveling to the United States to attend and witness this world-class tournament.
The old visa system increased wait times exponentially. This is a significant improvement for about 80% of visa applicants around the globe who once waited up to one year, now only waiting 60 days or fewer. We’re pleased to see the US State Department actively promoting this initiative. They have deployed at least 400 additional consular officers worldwide to handle the huge expected surge in applications.
Then US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored this foundational truth. He emphasized that increased processing times are not an assurance of entry into the country.
“Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US,” – Marco Rubio
Worries about security have been raised as well in advance of the tournament. As Trump says he’s ready to send the National Guard to Los Angeles if necessary. He singles out threats related to rising crime as the top threat. He has consistently called on California leaders to request federal help as soon as possible. Further, he suggested that FIFA needs to move the tournament if safety risks don’t subside.
“If we think there’s going to be the sign of any trouble, I would ask [FIFA president] Gianni [Infantino] to move that to a different city,” – Trump
As are Trump’s worries about violence in other host cities, not only Los Angeles. In particular, he slammed Seattle, calling the mayor’s style of governance “very, very liberal-slash-communist,” and demanding that the event be relocated if it faces trouble at that location.
“If we think there’s a problem in Seattle where you have a very, very liberal-slash-communist mayor … we’re going to move the event to someplace where it’s going to be appreciated and safe,” – Trump
The majority of ticket holders to date are US, Mexican, and Canadian based. It’s further proof of the widespread regional passion for this unprecedented tournament. As safety and security preparations are finalized, officials are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone to enjoy this amazing event.
“If there’s even a hint of a problem, we want to get in there before the problem. We want to make it totally safe for [Infantino] and FIFA and all the great people that are going to be there,” – Trump