Despite the optimism, the White House has yet to explain how it will shorten current wait times, which in some consulates can stretch for months, leaving many fans anxious about whether they will obtain their visa in time.
These measures come at a crucial moment: the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is shaping up to be a unique opportunity to showcase the continent’s grandeur. However, significant challenges remain: the government has tightened migration controls, including recent travel bans on certain countries, which has raised concerns in regions where visa requirements are already stringent.
To ensure fans can attend without major obstacles, authorities have emphasized the importance of applying well in advance, especially in the face of overwhelming demand and potential bottlenecks in consular services. At the same time, the government created the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, coordinated directly by President Trump and involving the vice presidency along with the Secretaries of State, Homeland Security, and Transportation, among others, to fine-tune interagency logistics and planning.
Despite these efforts, concerns persist. Prolonged wait times, reduced federal staffing in certain embassies, and a migration infrastructure that in many parts of the country has not yet been adapted to the scale of the event cast doubts on the United States’ real capacity to manage the massive influx of fans during the tournament. Nevertheless, local officials in host cities such as Houston, which expects thousands of international visitors, remain optimistic and continue to refine logistical details to ensure an intense, multicultural, and safe experience.
In an earlier meeting of the Task Force held several months ago, President Trump described the 2026 World Cup as the “biggest, safest, and most extraordinary” sporting event in recent history, predicting a colossal economic impact that, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, could reach $50 billion and generate nearly 300,000 jobs. Authorities also stressed that while visitors will be clearly welcomed, it will be imperative that they return to their home countries once the tournament concludes, in line with current migration policies.
U.S. authorities have lit a spark of hope for international fans by announcing measures to speed up the issuance of tourist and business visas, supported by technology and extended service. However, the road ahead remains full of challenges and limited early planning. The challenge of welcoming millions of visitors lies not only in the speed of processing applications, but also in the country’s real capacity to process, host, and safeguard those arriving from all corners of the globe for the world’s biggest football celebration.
