• Trump administration officials, including VP Vance and Secretary Noem, cautioned World Cup visitors against overstaying their visas.
• The 2026 World Cup is projected to bring substantial economic benefits to the US, including $50 billion in economic output and 300,000 jobs.
• Infrastructure and visa processing challenges remain concerns for hosting the event, despite assurances from officials.

President Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the task force dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The meeting, attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other administration officials, focused on planning for a successful and safe tournament. A recurring theme was the warning issued to international visitors, emphasizing the importance of adhering to visa regulations and not overstaying their permitted time in the country. Concerns about infrastructure readiness and visa processing capabilities were also discussed, alongside projections of significant economic benefits for the US.

• What: A task force meeting was held to discuss preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Discussions included economic impact, infrastructure, and visa processing.
• Who: Key figures include President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Vice President JD Vance, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Andrew Giuliani, and Carlos Cordeiro.
• When: The task force meeting took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The World Cup is scheduled for 2026, and the Club World Cup will be held in the US in the summer of 2025.
• Where: The task force meeting was held at the White House in Washington, D.C. The World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Trump administration is actively preparing for the 2026 World Cup, recognizing its potential for significant economic impact. However, concerns persist regarding the country's readiness to handle the influx of visitors, particularly in terms of visa processing and infrastructure. The warnings issued to potential visitors about overstaying visas reflect the administration's stance on immigration enforcement, which could potentially deter some tourists. The event highlights a balancing act between welcoming international fans and maintaining strict border control policies. Trump's offhand remark about not knowing Russia was banned from FIFA highlights a potential lack of awareness of international sporting politics.

Together this group will help plan the biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history.

We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game but when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise, they'll have to talk to [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem.

America will welcome the world. Everyone who wants to come here to enjoy, to have fun to celebrate the game, will be able to do that.

We will take care of their documentation and travel documents, and it will go smoothly. And we will make sure that they can come and enjoy and bring their families and friends and make memories together.

The 2026 World Cup task force meeting underscored the Trump administration's commitment to hosting a successful tournament, while also highlighting potential challenges related to infrastructure, visa processing, and immigration control. The mixed messages of welcome and warning to foreign visitors create a complex narrative around the event. While economic benefits are anticipated, the focus on security and visa enforcement remains a prominent aspect of the preparations.