What's happened
At a recent White House meeting, officials discussed preparations for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need for visitors to adhere to visa regulations, while Trump touted the economic benefits of the tournament, despite concerns over immigration policies affecting tourism.
What's behind the headline?
Economic Impact
- The World Cup is projected to generate significant economic activity, with estimates of up to $50 billion in output and nearly 300,000 jobs created.
- Local businesses in host cities like Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles stand to benefit from the influx of tourists.
Immigration Concerns
- The Trump administration's strict immigration policies may deter some potential visitors, as highlighted by Vice President Vance's warnings about visa overstays.
- Countries have issued travel advisories, which could impact attendance at the tournament.
Infrastructure Challenges
- Concerns about the US's ability to handle the expected surge in visitors include lengthy visa processing times and inadequate public transportation.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that short-term solutions like buses would be implemented, but no long-term infrastructure improvements are planned.
Political Context
- Trump's administration is keen to showcase the US as a welcoming host, despite recent tensions with Canada and Mexico. The success of the World Cup could bolster his administration's image domestically and internationally.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Vice President JD Vance stated, "Everyone is welcome to come and see this incredible event," but cautioned against overstaying visas. The Guardian reported that Trump claimed the tournament would be the "biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history," while FIFA President Gianni Infantino projected significant economic benefits. However, the South China Morning Post highlighted concerns about declining foreign visitor arrivals due to stringent immigration policies. The Japan Times noted that Trump assured a "seamless" experience for visitors, but skepticism remains regarding the government's readiness to host such a large event.
How we got here
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and is expected to draw millions of visitors. The US government is under pressure to ensure smooth visa processing and security for the event, amid ongoing debates about immigration policies.
Go deeper
- What are the expected economic benefits of the World Cup?
- How is the US government preparing for the influx of visitors?
- What challenges might affect tourism during the tournament?
Common question
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What Are Trump's Promises for the 2026 World Cup?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, President Trump has made bold promises regarding the event's success. With the tournament being co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, many are curious about the preparations and potential challenges. Here are some common questions surrounding Trump's assurances and the overall readiness for this historic event.
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How is the US Preparing for the 2026 World Cup?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the United States is gearing up to host this monumental event alongside Canada and Mexico. With millions of visitors expected, preparations are in full swing, focusing on visa regulations, economic impacts, and tourism policies. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming tournament.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c
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Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
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Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is a Swiss–Italian football administrator and the current president of FIFA. He was elected President of FIFA during the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, marketed as FIFA World Cup 26, will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA.