Trump tightens immigration regulations while inviting fans from around the world to the Olympics and World Cup
In a statement to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his hope that “countless people from all over the globe” will attend the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, which the US will host.
Preliminary statistics from the U.S. government shows that foreign visitation to the country decreased 2.9% year over year in August to roughly 3.5 million tourists. In contrast to the worldwide tourism trend, travel fell for the sixth consecutive month this year, contradicting predictions that annual inbound visitors would eventually reach the pre-pandemic level of 79.4 million in 2025.
According to Trump’s extensive speech, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its independence next year. “We will also be proudly hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and shortly thereafter, the 2028 Olympics,” added the governor.
It’s going to be a thrilling experience. I’m hoping everyone comes. Numerous individuals from all around the world are encouraged to participate.
FIFA announced earlier this month that it had received over 1.5 million World Cup ticket applications from supporters in 210 countries within 24 hours of the presale draw. The 48-team competition will take place in 16 host cities will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For many, however, a trip to the United States can be costly and complex.
Travelers already dealing with lengthy average visa wait times must pay an additional $250 “visa integrity fee,” which is imposed on visitors from non-visa waiver nations. A B-1/B-2 tourism or business visa interview for such travelers takes an average of 169 days, according to U.S. State Department data.
That will affect supporters of nations like Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil that often send sizable delegations to the World Cup.
FIFA reported that the three host countries were the main source of demand for tournament tickets worldwide, with Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil following closely behind.
Visa-waiver nations, primarily in Europe, will not be required to pay the new cost, but industry insiders say that some travelers are deterring trips to the United States due to concerns about being stopped at the border following several high-profile incidents.
As per a proposed government regulation released in August, the White House is also seeking to extend the duration of visas for students, tourists participating in cultural exchanges, and members of the media.
Los Angeles, California, is scheduled to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in July of that year.
