US President Donald Trump said he would ensure a seamless experience for foreign soccer fans on US soil during the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, AFP reported, BTA reported.
These assurances came despite questions raised about the new US administration's border policy, notes Agence France-Presse. Trump is the chairman of the World Cup organizing committee for the matches in the United States.
"We look forward to welcoming fans from all over the world," Trump said during a White House briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
"Every member of the government will work to ensure that the World Cup is a success, that it takes place in complete security and that people traveling to the United States for the tournament have a seamless experience at every stage of their visit," Trump said.
Foreigner arrivals to the United States are expected to decline this year by 5.1 percent compared to last year, according to a report from the analytical company "Tourism Economics" in late February. "The polarization caused by the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric will discourage travelers to the United States," the company believes.
US Vice President J.D. Vance said that visitors to the World Cup are welcome, provided they leave the country after the tournament. "I know we'll probably have visitors from close to 100 countries. We want them to come, to take advantage of the opportunity, to attend the games. "But when it's all over, they have to go," Vance said.
Infantino assured that FIFA has full confidence in the Trump administration to organize the World Cup.
US Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noam said that the United States will use the Club World Cup next month on American soil as a test for the World Cup.
As for the championship itself on the planet next year, Trump assured that there will be no tension with Mexico and Canada, which are co-organizers, despite recent tensions in Washington's diplomatic relations with the two countries.
Trump also announced that he was appointing Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as executive director of the organizing committee of the World Cup for the United States, Reuters reported.