As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, mounting concerns over visa processing delays could severely impact attendance and revenue for these major sporting events.
Current wait times for tourist visa interviews exceed 330 days at 18 U.S. embassies and consulates, with particularly long delays in India, Colombia, Peru, and Honduras. With World Cup tickets expected to go on sale later this year, international fans may have less than six months to secure necessary travel documentation.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is projected to attract over 6 million visitors. The U.S. portion alone could generate approximately $3.75 billion in economic benefits across 11 host cities. In Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium's eight World Cup matches are expected to bring 180,000 visitors and nearly $600 million in economic impact. As Southern California grapples with devastating wildfires, questions emerge about the region's ability to host three major sporting events in the coming years. With the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the city faces both opportunities and challenges. The recent fires have tested L.A.'s infrastructure and resources, though key venues remain undamaged. SoFi Stadium, set to host World Cup matches and the Super Bowl, sits 15 miles from the nearest flames. Only two proposed Olympic venues - Riviera Country Club and UCLA's planned athletes' village - were threatened by evacuation zones.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) has raised concerns about the State Department's preparedness, leading a bipartisan group of 53 lawmakers urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address the issue. "It will be unacceptable that we allow our country to fail at putting our best foot forward for the World Cup," she stated.
The visa application process remains complex, requiring extensive documentation and a $185 non-refundable fee. In fiscal year 2023, nearly a quarter of visitor visa applicants were denied. While 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing their citizens to visit without visas, many potential World Cup attendees come from nations requiring full visa processing.
Recent political developments could further complicate the situation. The newly passed Laken Riley Act gives individual states power to demand visa restrictions for certain countries, potentially affecting World Cup attendance even in states not hosting matches.
Immigration experts warn that without immediate attention to this issue, the U.S. risks both economic losses and international embarrassment. The success of these upcoming global sporting events may hinge on the government's ability to efficiently process visitor visas while maintaining security standards.