With the FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing near, the United States is making major preparations to welcome supporters from around the globe. As the host country, the U.S. is undertaking extensive efforts to ensure fans from every nation can gain entry in time for the massive sporting event. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the government is implementing sweeping measures to streamline visa processing, including extended embassy operations and new technologies. These steps aim to prevent any fan from missing the event due to bureaucratic delays.
Rubio highlighted the significance of these actions during his testimony before the Homeland Security Subcommittee. “Double shifts and new technologies will be implemented in key embassies,” he said. The goal, he emphasized, is to “guarantee visas for everyone,” making sure that paperwork obstacles don’t keep fans away. The state’s priority is clear: no one should miss out on the global celebration of football because of procedural issues.
This moment in U.S. history as a sports host is unique. Following the successful hosting of the 2024 Copa América and with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup also scheduled, the country is fast becoming a hub for major international tournaments. With the 2028 Olympic Games already confirmed, America faces logistical demands on a scale never seen before. Yet these challenges come amid a political climate shaped by stricter immigration controls under the Trump administration.
Despite this, the message from U.S. officials remains one of openness—provided all immigration paperwork is correctly handled. The Trump administration’s tightening of immigration rules has increased scrutiny around visa applications, but officials are attempting to balance national security with the international spirit of hospitality. “The message the U.S. wants to show the world is that it wants to open its doors to the world… as long as the paperwork is in order,” the article noted.
With World Cup excitement building across the country, the U.S. government is preparing for an unprecedented surge in visa applications from every continent. Recognizing the potential for overwhelming demand, they have chosen to act early, attempting to ward off administrative backlogs before they occur.
Rubio explained that a key part of the strategy includes deploying more personnel to high-demand embassies, particularly in countries where ticket sales are high. “Double shifts will be implemented in many embassies to reduce wait times,” he said. He cited Colombia as one of the countries that would struggle to meet demand without these changes, indicating the urgency of the initiative.
To further improve efficiency, the U.S. is introducing artificial intelligence into the visa renewal process. This marks a significant leap in how visa applications are handled. By automating repetitive tasks, AI will allow human staff to focus on reviewing new applications. This should help reduce wait times without compromising national security. “This tool will allow repetitive tasks to be automated and free up human resources for new applications,” Rubio explained.
This is not the first time the United States has hosted the FIFA World Cup. Back in 1994, the country staged the tournament and broke attendance records. That event left a lasting impact, sparking increased domestic interest in the sport. Many still remember Italy’s Roberto Baggio missing the decisive penalty that allowed Brazil to claim their fourth title.
Fast forward to 2026, and the nation now has the benefit of modernized infrastructure and decades of experience in organizing global sporting events. The upcoming World Cup is expected to be the largest in history, with more teams, more venues, and more matches than ever before. This also means millions of international visitors will be attempting to cross U.S. borders during the event.
The collaboration between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscores the importance of delivering a successful tournament. Both leaders understand that the country’s international reputation is on the line. “The image of the country is at stake,” the article noted. A poorly managed World Cup marred by visa delays or disorganization could be disastrous. Legal and structured access to the U.S. has now become a national priority.
However, the situation is complex. Even as the government works to facilitate entry for sports tourists, it continues to enforce strict immigration rules, especially on irregular entries. This duality reflects the Trump administration’s broader stance: promote international events and tourism while maintaining firm control over immigration processes. “While channels are being opened to facilitate sports tourism, the same Trump government maintains its pressure on irregular immigration,” the article explained.
As a result, while fans may benefit from faster and more accessible visa options, they should also expect more detailed scrutiny during the process. The United States is making it clear: if you want to attend the World Cup, start preparing now. Delays or incomplete documentation could be costly. “Come to the World Cup, but prepare ahead of time,” is the message being sent globally.
With increased staff at embassies and AI helping to process renewals, visa procedures are expected to move faster. But they’ll also be more rigorous than ever before.
So for those dreaming of cheering on their team live in 2026, the journey doesn’t start in the stadium—it starts at the embassy. “If you want to be there, screaming your team’s goal live and in person and not from the couch, the first thing you need to do is move now,” the article concluded. “Because this time, the World Cup starts at the embassy.”