Trump promises 'seamless' experience for football fans

Donald Trump promised Tuesday that fans from around the world would be welcome at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This despite questions surrounding his border policy.

The US president, who headed the task force dedicated to organizing the event, assured that visitors would have a "seamless" experience during the tournament. "We look forward to welcoming football fans from around the world," he said Tuesday during a speech at the White House alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"Every member of the government will work to ensure that these events are a safe and successful event, and that those traveling to the United States for the competition have a seamless experience at every stage of their visit," he added.

Foreign travel arrivals to the United States are expected to decline by 5.1% in 2025 compared to the previous year, compared to a previously anticipated increase of 8.8%, according to a report published in late February by Tourism Economics. "The polarization caused by the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric (...) will discourage travel to the United States," Tourism Economics estimated.

Vice President JD Vance clarified Tuesday that while visitors would be welcome, they would have to leave the country at the end of the tournament. "I know we'll have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come, enjoy themselves, watch the matches. But when it's over, they'll have to leave," he warned. Gianni Infantino assured FIFA that he had "complete confidence" in the Trump administration to organize a successful tournament.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that the United States would use the Club World Cup, which will be held exclusively on US soil next month, as a test. "We're already working on travel documents, visa applications... This will obviously be a taste of what we can do next year for the World Cup," she said.

Trump also assured that he felt "no tension" with Mexico and Canada, the co-hosts of the next World Cup, the first with 48 teams, despite recent diplomatic tensions.