Will You Attend the 2026 World Cup? Trump’s Global Invite Comes Amid More Than Two Per Cent Decline in US Travel!

Published on September 24, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

President Donald Trump extended a powerful invitation to the global community to attend the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which will be hosted by the United States. The announcement came during his address at the UN General Assembly. This global call for participation occurs against the backdrop of a concerning of more than two per cent decline in international travel to the U.S., highlighting challenges in the country’s tourism sector. Despite these obstacles, the 2026 World Cup remains a highly sought-after event, evidenced by the overwhelming international response.

What Are the Challenges Facing U.S. Travel?

While the U.S. has long been a global travel hub, international visitation has faced a decline. August 2025 saw a 2.9% drop in overseas visitors compared to the same month the previous year. A combination of factors, including stricter visa regulations and the introduction of a $250 visa integrity fee for certain travelers, has made it more difficult for international tourists to visit the U.S. These challenges particularly impact travelers from countries that do not fall under the U.S. visa-waiver program, limiting their ability to attend major events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

In addition to the financial burden created by visa fees, processing times have also lengthened, making it difficult for fans from countries with more complex entry requirements to secure travel documents in time for these global sporting events. However, despite these barriers, there is still an undeniable interest in attending the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

What Is the Global Response to the 2026 World Cup?

Despite the aforementioned challenges, the global response to the 2026 World Cup has been overwhelmingly positive. Within 24 hours of opening ticket applications, over 1.5 million applications were submitted, with fans hailing from 210 countries. This exceptional demand signals that the appeal of the event far outweighs the barriers set by visa requirements. The United States’ reputation for hosting large-scale sporting events, combined with the unique opportunity to attend the first-ever World Cup jointly held by three nations, has led to an overwhelming number of fans eager to participate.

Why Is the 2026 World Cup So Significant?

The 2026 World Cup marks a historic moment for global football, as it will be the first time that the event is co-hosted by three countries: the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This unprecedented collaboration will allow fans from across the globe to experience the competition in multiple cities across North America. Additionally, this World Cup will also see an expanded format, with 48 teams competing instead of the usual 32, further increasing the stakes and excitement for both players and spectators.

For many, attending the 2026 World Cup will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a result, the international community’s enthusiasm remains high, even in the face of visa-related complexities. The event is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the U.S. as tourism in host cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami will see substantial boosts. The global attendance will also be a testament to the power of sports to unite people, regardless of geopolitical challenges.

When Will the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics Take Place?

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 8, 2026, and will run through July 3, 2026. The tournament will be held across several cities in North America, including Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City. The U.S. will host 60 of the tournament’s 80 matches, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Just two years later, the 2028 Summer Olympics will arrive in Los Angeles, California, from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The Games will showcase the best of global athletics and are expected to draw millions of visitors to the U.S., further boosting the country’s tourism sector despite the ongoing visa challenges.

Where Will the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics Be Held?

The 2026 World Cup will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the U.S. hosting the majority of matches. Iconic stadiums like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will serve as key venues for the tournament. The 2028 Olympics will also be held in Los Angeles, California, with the event expected to bring international visitors to a variety of Olympic venues, including the Staples Center and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

How Can International Fans Navigate the Visa Challenges?

The U.S. government has acknowledged the challenges faced by international travelers due to visa complexities. The introduction of stricter visa regulations and the $250 integrity fee has made it more difficult for fans from non-visa waiver countries to attend major events. However, the U.S. government has pledged to streamline visa processing where possible and encourages travelers to begin the application process well in advance.

Despite these obstacles, the strong demand for World Cup tickets indicates that international fans are undeterred. U.S. authorities continue to monitor the situation and are considering reforms to improve the visa experience for global travelers, especially those attending the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.