The 2026 FIFA World Cup successfully navigated potential travel disruptions due to a combination of actions taken and policies avoided by the Trump administration, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The organization, which represents over 1,000 travel industry groups, credited the administration with contributing to a "resounding success" for the global event.
In a letter to former President Donald Trump, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman noted that beyond expedited visa appointments, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) processed millions of applications securely without strain. Freeman emphasized that equally significant were "several actions your administration did not take" in the lead-up to and during the tournament.
Among the avoided measures praised by Freeman were the implementation of a proposed $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which would have impacted visitor spending, and the imposition of new travel authorization requirements for VWP visitors. The association argued that not enacting these policies allowed for more spending by international visitors in American businesses and facilitated record numbers of VWP travelers, such as the Scottish "Tartan Army," to enter the U.S. after rigorous vetting.
Furthermore, the administration's decision not to proceed with proposals that would have removed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from certain airports ensured efficient screening for both arriving foreign fans and returning Americans. Freeman stated that these avoided measures allowed visitors to "use their social media accounts to post about their love for America and the world-class experience it provided."
Data accompanying the letter indicated that the tournament was a significant win for tourism and public diplomacy. More than 80% of World Cup travelers expressed interest in exploring beyond host cities, and 81% of Americans reported feeling proud of their country while watching international tourists experience American culture and attractions. The data also suggested that 70% of Americans are in favor of the U.S. hosting more major international events.
A White House spokesperson echoed these sentiments, stating that Trump's "bold vision and decisive leadership" generated billions in revenue, provided an economic boost to host cities, and ensured a safe and seamless experience for millions. The World Cup is now viewed as a potential blueprint for future major events hosted by the U.S., including the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2031 Women's World Cup.