In a press conference at the White House, President Donald Trump announced important news for World Cup ticket holders. They will now have better access to tourist visa appointments at U.S. consulates. However, this relief may not last long. Trump raised concerns that some host cities, like Seattle and Los Angeles, could face game relocations due to safety worries.
During the event, which featured the World Cup trophy, Trump expressed serious concerns about potential violence in these cities. He hinted that federal intervention might be necessary if local governments don’t manage issues effectively.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alongside other officials, addressed a major worry for FIFA: long visa wait times at U.S. consulates. Fans from many countries face lengthy waits, sometimes up to 11 months in places like Bogota, Colombia. While fans from certain countries, mainly in Europe and a few from Asia and the Pacific, can travel under a visa waiver program, many others, especially from Latin America and parts of Africa, still need visas.
Recently, the U.S. State Department allocated $50 million to tackle these visa backlogs, responding to previous challenges in Argentina and Brazil. In comparison, last year’s World Cup in Qatar allowed fans to enter the country using a fan pass linked to their tickets, a convenience that won’t be available in the U.S. This new priority appointment system, called FIFA Pass, won’t guarantee entry to the U.S. Even with a ticket, fans will still face the same rigorous visa process.
Safety remains a hot topic, with Trump stressing the need for secure environments for fans. Infantino echoed this sentiment, highlighting that FIFA is committed to ensuring safety during the tournament. With nearly two million tickets sold already, confidence in the U.S. as a host is high.
Moreover, the rising concern over drug trafficking was evident in Trump’s comments about potential U.S. military actions in Mexico. He indicated he would consider strikes against drug cartels, reflecting the ongoing battle against drug-related violence. This issue has become more critical given a reported surge in drug-related deaths in recent years, with statistics showing over 100,000 deaths attributed to overdoses in the U.S. in 2021 alone.
As excitement builds for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, concerns about safety and visa accessibility linger. The tournament promises to be a massive event, but organizers and government officials face the challenge of addressing these issues to ensure a successful experience for fans worldwide.
For further information on visa processes and resources, you can check the U.S. Department of State website.
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FIFA Men's World Cup, International Football, Soccer, Sports Business
