U.S. travel system under pressure ahead of 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics

Washington, D.C. — The United States is facing a travel crisis ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a new report warning that airports, visa systems, and security protocols are unprepared for the surge of international visitors.

The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) released the report on Wednesday, compiled by former government officials and industry specialists. It highlights ageing airport infrastructure, slow visa processing, and outdated security technology as major obstacles to accommodating millions of travelers.

"We're not ready to host the upcoming mega decade of events that will draw millions of domestic and international travelers," the USTA warned. "This poses risks to our national security and hampers economic growth."

Unprecedented Travel Surge Expected

The report estimates that 40 million people could visit the U.S. for major events in the next few years, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and America's 250th anniversary in 2026.

For the World Cup alone, an estimated six million visitors are expected. The report also projects that by 2028, daily passenger screenings by the TSA will reach record highs, matching what is currently seen only on peak travel days like Thanksgiving.

"The message today is clear: the status quo is not an option," said Geoff Freeman, USTA President and CEO, at a Capitol Hill press conference.

Visa Delays and Security Challenges

One of the report’s biggest concerns is excessive visa wait times, which Freeman called “the single biggest deterrent to visiting the United States.”

The State Department reports that in some countries, such as Colombia, wait times for visitor visas can stretch up to 700 days. The report warns that if left unaddressed, these delays could result in the loss of millions of visitors and nearly $19 billion in spending over the next two years.

"People want to come, but they're not coming," Freeman said. "It gets down to these visa wait times. It gets down to customs inefficiencies. It gets down to a perception that people aren’t welcome. We’re very concerned."

Calls for Reform and a White House Task Force

To address these challenges, the report urges President Donald Trump’s administration to take immediate action. Among its key recommendations:

• Establish a White House-led task force to coordinate federal efforts.

• Expedite visa processing by increasing consular staffing and streamlining approvals.

• Upgrade airport security systems with biometric screening and advanced vetting technology to speed up entry procedures.

• Reduce airport customs wait times by expanding pre-clearance programs and utilizing AI-driven screening.

Freeman emphasized the economic stakes, noting that failing to act could cost the U.S. $150 billion in lost spending over the next decade, as 39 million potential visitors may choose other destinations.

"Washington has a small window to fix major travel pain points and unlock a $100 billion economic opportunity," Freeman said. "But it will require urgency that has been missing in recent years."

A Test for America’s Global Reputation

The report also underscores the broader implications of travel inefficiencies. With President Trump declaring that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be “the gold standard” and the 2028 Olympics will be “the best ever held,” experts argue that failure to improve travel infrastructure could damage the U.S.'s global standing.

"The next several years will bring unprecedented travel demand that our systems are not prepared to handle," the report cautions.

As the clock ticks down to these once-in-a-lifetime global events, the question remains: will the U.S. rise to the occasion, or will it buckle under the weight of its own outdated systems?

(Sources: Agence France-Presse, Inside the Games)