With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just two years away, concerns are mounting over whether the U.S. is prepared to handle the expected influx of millions of international visitors.
A new report from the U.S. Travel Association highlights major challenges facing the country’s air travel infrastructure, visa processing delays, and security inefficiencies, raising doubts about the nation’s readiness to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Massive travel surge expected for 2026
The report estimates that more than 40 million visitors could enter the U.S. for a series of major events. This includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.
For the World Cup alone, an estimated six million fans are expected to travel across the 16 host cities, with matches taking place in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and Dallas. However, industry experts warn that the current travel infrastructure may struggle to accommodate such a surge.
Will the U.S. be ready for the FIFA World Cup?
One of the report’s most alarming findings is the extreme visa wait times that could prevent international fans from attending the tournament. Some countries, such as Colombia and Mexico, are experiencing visa processing times of up to 700 days.
Without urgent reform, the U.S. could lose out on millions of visitors and billions in potential revenue from the FIFA World Cup.
The first FIFA World Cup in the U.S. since 1994
The report also highlights outdated airport security systems and long customs wait times as major concerns. Daily TSA screenings will reach record highs by 2028, but aging airport infrastructure may struggle to keep up.
Experts are urging the government to invest in biometric screening and AI-driven security measures to speed up entry processes. As the countdown to 2026 continues, the experts call for urgent action from government officials to avoid a travel crisis.
With the U.S. aiming to deliver a “gold standard” World Cup, the next two years will be critical in determining whether the country can meet the challenge, or face global embarrassment.