Trump tells UN General Assembly they are all welcome in the US for 2026 World Cup

 
At the UN General Assembly in New York City, US President Donald Trump has expressed his hope that “countless people from all over the globe will take part” in the 2026 World Cup, contrasting with his administration’s hostile immigration policies. 

In a wide-ranging and rambling speech that was four times longer than his allotted 15 minutes, Trump invited fans from around the world to attend the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“We will also be proudly hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and shortly thereafter, the 2028 Olympics,” said Trump. “It’s going to be very exciting. I hope you all come. I hope that countless people from all over the globe will take part.”

Travel to the United States has fallen and major doubts remain over international fans getting visas. Overseas travel to the US dropped 2.9% in August, down to about 3.5 million visitors, per preliminary government data. That’s the sixth monthly decline this year, running against the global tourism boom and casting doubt on hopes that 2025 will finally top the pre-pandemic 79.4 million mark.

The Trump administration has issued travel bans and watch lists for dozens of countries, but promised exemptions for teams and officials. Iran have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Last month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, quizzed by African media in Kenya, said: “Everyone will be welcome in North America next year for the World Cup, I think it’s important to clarify this, there is a lot of misconception out there.”

A South African reporter told Infantino: “I think the onus is on you to make sure that Africa and all the other people of the world do not feel outcast, do not feel like they are being made second-class citizens in a world where equality should prevail.”

Those concerns didn’t dampen the demand for World Cup tickets. In a news release, FIFA said that more than 4.5 million people, the majority from the United States, entered the first presale draw for World Cup tickets.

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