World Cup 2026 host cities say fans 'welcome'
A person takes a picture of artwork for the various host cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AFP
NEW YORK – American World Cup host city officials assured on June 9 that overseas fans would be welcome at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico despite 'uncertainty' amid ongoing concerns over visas, border controls and social unrest.
In a briefing in New York that came just over a year from the opening game on June 11, officials said President Donald Trump's administration remained 'extremely supportive' of the World Cup.
Since returning to power, Mr Trump has started a global trade war, threatened to annex Canada and launched a border crackdown that has led to harsh treatment of foreigners attempting to enter the US.
Eleven American cities will host the bulk of the games at the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time and has been expanded to include 48 teams.
Executives from the local organising committees for the 11 US World Cup venues gathered in New York on June 9 to brief on logistical aspects of the tournament, including transportation, stadium access, fan zones as well as general access to the United States.
'For each of our cities, we want to be prepared to make any person that is coming and makes the decision to come to the United States or come to this World Cup feel that they are welcome,' said Meg Kane, head of the Philadelphia organising committee.
Kane said while officials were planning 'within uncertainty' due to matters taking place at national and international level, the Trump administration was firmly behind the tournament.
'We do not play a role necessarily in what is happening in terms of the decisions that are made,' Kane said.
'What we can say is that the current administration – while there are certain situations that we are monitoring closely – has been extremely supportive of FIFA World Cup.'
Alex Lasry, the chief executive of the New York/New Jersey World Cup committee, said officials were bracing for 'millions' of fans inside and outside the stadiums irrespective of the political climate.
'I think sports transcends geopolitics,' Lasry told AFP. 'I think we've seen that for Olympics. We've seen it for other World Cups, in Qatar or Russia.
'People want to come to these mega sporting events, and they're going to travel to ensure that they're able to cheer on and see their team play.
'Our job as a host committee is to make sure that we are putting on an event and making sure that our city and our region is ready to welcome everyone who's able to come to the World Cup.'
Los Angeles World Cup committee vice-president Jason Krutzsch said organisers were working to ensure fans 'understand that they are welcome in Los Angeles and will have an amazing World Cup experience'.
As well as hosting games at the World Cup, Los Angeles will also stage the Super Bowl in 2027 before hosting the 2028 Olympics. AFP
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