2026 FIFA World Cup: USA Ramps Up Visa, Immigration, and Security Preparations

United States Prepares for Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup

The United States is taking major steps to ensure a smooth and secure experience for international teams and fans expected to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, the U.S. is fine-tuning policies related to immigration, security, and visa processing to accommodate the anticipated surge in visitors.

Streamlined Visa Processes for World Cup Attendees

Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department, are preparing to ease travel for over 1 million visitors expected during the summer tournament. The U.S. plans to accelerate visa processing for:

• Fans traveling from around the globe
• International athletes and team officials
• Media personnel and FIFA staff

Officials are also coordinating with FIFA to provide a unified entry policy, allowing smooth movement across North American host cities.

Enhanced Security Measures and Federal Coordination

Security is a top priority as agencies gear up for what will be the most logistically complex sporting event the U.S. has ever hosted. The DHS is designating the 2026 World Cup as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event, the highest possible ranking. This status facilitates:

• Full federal support for local law enforcement
• Real-time intelligence sharing across borders
• Additional protections for stadiums and fan zones

FBI, TSA, and Customs and Border Protection will also play key roles in crowd surveillance, counterterrorism, and border entry systems.

Coordination with Host Cities

The U.S. is actively collaborating with the 11 host cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, to ensure:

• Robust infrastructure for safe crowd management
• Comprehensive drills for emergency situations
• Language and cultural training for local police and event staff

A Unified North American Effort

For the first time in FIFA history, the 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams and use venues across three countries. The U.S. will host 60 matches, including every game from the quarterfinal round onward. American officials are working in tandem with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to execute a cross-border security and immigration framework.

Conclusion: A Secure and Welcoming World Cup

As the countdown continues, the U.S. is taking bold and proactive steps to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup an unforgettable event. Through streamlined visa policies, robust security plans, and trilateral cooperation, the nation aims to ensure that athletes, fans, and global visitors feel safe and welcome on American soil.