As the world prepares for next summer's World Cup in the U.S., concerns are growing over the country's readiness to host the global event.

With over a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerns are mounting that the United States may struggle to effectively host the tournament without significant improvements to its travel infrastructure. Top executives in the travel industry, including Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, and William Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM Resorts International, have expressed concerns about whether the U.S. travel system is ready for the expected surge of foreign visitors.

The issues are wide-ranging and include lengthy visa approval wait times, outdated technology, and staffing shortages that could lead to long customs and security lines at airports. These challenges could create delays for international travelers, potentially turning what should be a smooth entry process into a frustrating experience. Freeman and Hornbuckle noted that, without an urgent response, the U.S. could struggle to manage the demands of the tournament.

Freeman stressed that time is running out to address these issues, with only 16 months remaining before the tournament kicks off. He highlighted concerns about the logistics of cross-border travel between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, especially given the existing challenges with U.S. immigration and security processes. “We need much more urgency to get to the bottom of that,” Freeman said, emphasizing that the administration must prioritize these obstacles to ensure the event is a success.

The 2026 World Cup, the largest in history with 48 teams, will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with the U.S. hosting its first game the following day in Southern California. The event is expected to attract millions of international visitors, potentially straining the country’s travel infrastructure.

A FIFA spokesperson reassured the public that the governing body is working with U.S. authorities to ensure the tournament’s success, pointing to the U.S. government's commitment to providing the necessary guarantees for a smooth experience. Despite this, Freeman and Hornbuckle remain concerned about the lack of urgency in addressing the logistical challenges.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates that between six and eight million foreign visitors will arrive for the World Cup, many of whom will pass through U.S. airports up to 50 times more than in 2024. Hornbuckle warned that the surge in travel demand could overwhelm existing systems. “It’s not a question of whether it will overwhelm the system; it will,” Freeman said.

Beyond airport delays, there are additional concerns, including air traffic controller shortages and outdated air traffic control technology. The current radar systems used by U.S. air traffic controllers are seen as insufficient for the increased air traffic expected during the tournament. Similarly, the rollout of high-tech scanning machines for carry-on bags won't be completed at all U.S. airports until 2042.

Visa processing is another significant issue. While citizens from 42 countries enjoy visa-free access to the U.S., many key soccer nations like Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are not part of the visa waiver program. This means that fans from these countries will need to go through lengthy visa approval processes, with wait times for consular interviews in some countries extending beyond a year. Freeman warned that the visa process could become a major bottleneck, especially as qualifying matches for the World Cup continue and tickets go on sale.

FIFA is working with the U.S. government to ensure that information about the visa process reaches fans globally. A spokesperson from the State Department assured that the government is committed to ensuring a smooth visa process, noting that the U.S. issued nearly 11 million nonimmigrant visas last year and is well-prepared to handle the influx of travelers.

However, Freeman and Hornbuckle believe that the U.S. administration must take a more proactive approach. They called for the creation of a task force within the White House to coordinate across federal agencies and ensure that the event runs smoothly. The lack of a unified federal response is seen as a potential hurdle in managing the complexities of hosting the World Cup.

The White House, which played a key role in securing the World Cup bid in 2018, has not yet responded to questions about whether such a task force will be established. Freeman and Hornbuckle emphasized the importance of presidential leadership in ensuring the success of this high-profile event, particularly given the ongoing concerns about the country’s travel infrastructure.

The 2026 World Cup is just the beginning of what could be a decade of major global events in the U.S., including the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Freeman and Hornbuckle warned that while these events present a significant opportunity to showcase American capabilities, failing to address the current challenges could result in serious logistical problems.

As the clock ticks down to the 2026 World Cup, the question remains whether the U.S. can put the necessary resources in place to avoid a travel nightmare and ensure that the tournament goes off without a hitch.