United States President Donald Trump has said his administration will ensure that the “right people” are allowed to enter the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seeking to address growing concerns over visa policies and travel restrictions ahead of the global sporting event.
Speaking during a discussion on preparations for the tournament, Trump emphasized that the United States remains committed to successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup and welcoming legitimate players, officials, journalists, and supporters from around the world. He said authorities would work to facilitate travel for those attending the tournament while maintaining national security measures.
The remarks come amid international attention over U.S. immigration policies and their potential impact on one of the largest sporting events in history. With the United States serving as the primary host nation alongside Canada and Mexico, millions of fans are expected to travel across North America during the month-long competition.
Trump stated that security agencies and immigration authorities would carefully review applications and ensure that eligible visitors face minimal difficulties in obtaining entry permissions. At the same time, he reiterated that the administration would continue to enforce immigration laws and conduct security screening procedures.
The comments follow concerns raised by several football federations, human rights groups, and fan organizations regarding visa processing times and travel access for supporters from certain countries. Recent discussions have also focused on how geopolitical tensions could affect the participation of fans and officials from nations facing diplomatic disputes with the United States.
FIFA officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of unrestricted access for qualified teams, accredited personnel, sponsors, media representatives, and ticket-holding supporters. The governing body has been working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure that travel arrangements are streamlined ahead of the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest edition in the tournament's history, featuring 48 national teams and matches spread across multiple cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Organizers anticipate record attendance and unprecedented international travel during the event.
Trump's assurance is likely to be welcomed by football administrators and participating nations, many of whom have sought clarity regarding entry procedures. However, questions remain about how visa policies will be applied in practice, particularly for supporters traveling from countries involved in ongoing diplomatic or security disputes with Washington.
As preparations accelerate, U.S. officials continue to balance security considerations with the logistical challenge of hosting millions of visitors. With the World Cup less than a week away, ensuring smooth travel and entry processes remains one of the key priorities for tournament organizers and government agencies alike.
