Washington, June (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 09 يونيو 2026ء) The embassy said the tournament, the largest in football history, will offer fans from around the world an opportunity to explore the US and experience its cultural and geographic diversity. It said visitors would be encouraged to discover destinations across the country, from Miami to Seattle and from Boston to Los Angeles, rather than limiting their travels to host cities. More than 80% of expected international visitors plan to travel beyond major cities, allowing them to experience a wide range of attractions and local communities.
The embassy noted that the US has taken steps to facilitate travel for international fans. US President Donald Trump's administration has introduced the FIFA PASS priority visa appointment system, providing match ticket holders who require US visas with a clear and streamlined pathway to attend the tournament. In addition, the US Department of State has deployed more than 500 additional consular staff worldwide to process World Cup-related visa applications while maintaining rigorous security standards.
According to the embassy, citizens of more than 80% of the world's countries can now secure an interview appointment for a US visitor visa in less than 60 days. It said the US is seeking to balance streamlined access for visitors with strong border security while remaining open to the international community.
On the security front, the embassy said all World Cup matches hosted in the US have been designated among the highest-tier special events under the US Department of Homeland Security's rating system. More than US$1.23 billion has been allocated to support security operations, public transportation systems, and law enforcement efforts in host cities. Federal, state, and local authorities, together with international partners, are working in close coordination to ensure a safe and memorable experience for the millions of fans expected to attend.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 national teams and 104 matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US will host 78 matches in 11 cities, including both semifinal matches and the final.
The embassy said the tournament represents an unprecedented model of international cooperation as the first FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by three countries. It said close cooperation among the US, Canada, and Mexico in areas such as security, logistics, and hospitality demonstrates the ability of nations to achieve success through joint action.
The participation of teams and fans from around the world makes the tournament a vivid expression of cultural exchange and people-to-people connections, the embassy added.
The year 2026 carries special significance for the US as the tournament will coincide with the country's 250th anniversary, making it a historic milestone and an opportunity for visitors to experience the nation during a landmark moment in its history.
International visitors attending the tournament are expected to spend more than US$5,000 per person on average, nearly double the spending of a typical international traveler. The embassy said this reflects the event's significant economic impact and the strong engagement anticipated from football fans worldwide.
The embassy described the 2026 World Cup as the beginning of what the US calls a golden era in sports as the country prepares to host major international sporting events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It said the tournament will serve as an open invitation for the world to discover the US and visit again in the future, citing President Trump as saying: "We can't wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe."
