2026 World Cup: US Secretary of State promises to double visa efforts

 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Wednesday of potential visa difficulties for entry to the United States during the 2026 World Cup, promising to do everything he can to address the situation as the Trump administration tightens its immigration policy.

"We are looking at ways to double the staffing at some of our embassies around the world due to visa requirements," Rubio told a House committee.

"For example, if you haven't applied for a visa from Colombia yet, you probably won't arrive in time for the World Cup unless we put together a strengthened team."

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The United States will also host the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Club World Cup is scheduled to take place this summer in the United States from June 15 to July 13.

Rubio confirmed that the State Department is exploring ways to bring in staff with diplomatic expertise "to provide a 24-hour presence at some of our embassies and consulates around the world to handle the significant increase in visa applications for the World Cup, the Club World Cup, and subsequently the Olympics."

He explained that embassies will also seek to use artificial intelligence in some cases.

Regarding tourism generated by hosting such sporting events, he said, "We want this event to be a success. It's a priority for President Donald Trump."

Elected officials have expressed concern about the decline in tourism to the United States since the Trump administration tightened immigration restrictions.

The U.S. tourism sector could lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year, according to a study by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), a global tourism industry conglomerate.