The Club World Cup serves as a preliminary event for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, there seems to be little excitement for the Club World Cup, either domestically or internationally. The expansion from seven to 32 teams has reduced the event’s exclusivity, and ticket sales appear sluggish.
Simultaneously, the tournament is taking place amid reports of foreign tourists facing detentions and delays in visa processing. The chaotic activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement coupled with President Donald Trump’s travel bans do not inspire confidence in international fans.
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Travel policies under Trump seem to have already affected visitors. Data from the National Travel and Tourism Office indicate that arrivals from foreign countries dropped by 9.7% in March compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the travel forecasting company Tourism Economics predicts a 9.4% decline in international arrivals this year.
The US Travel Association, which represents the travel sector, has urged the Trump administration to improve visa processing and customs wait times before several key sporting events in the US, including the Club World Cup starting June 14, the Ryder Cup later this year, next summer’s World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Association President Geoff Freeman pointed out that the wait time in Colombia for a visa interview appointment can exceed 18 months, putting the 2026 World Cup out of reach for some travelers. His organization is collaborating with the White House’s World Cup Task Force to resolve these issues.
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“The task force understands the significance of this event: success is essential. We’re keen to partner with them to ensure we can accommodate the millions of additional visitors we anticipate,” Freeman stated. “However, the underlying issues with visa and customs need to be addressed.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned at a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing last month that consular staff could work longer shifts and that artificial intelligence might be utilized for visa processing.
“We want this to be a success. It’s a priority for the president,” Rubio emphasized.
However, the Trump administration may have heightened concerns for international travelers by implementing a ban affecting people from 12 countries, along with travel restrictions from nine additional countries. Iran, one of the listed nations, has qualified for the World Cup.
The proclamation included an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, individuals in necessary support roles, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting events as designated by the secretary of state.”
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
First Published: Jun 8, 2025 7:49 PM IST
