CEOs of US host city committees for the 2026 World Cup expressed concerns on Monday that ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, slow visa processing, and travel bans are creating 'uncertainty' for welcoming millions of foreign visitors. While acknowledging the Trump administration's support for the World Cup, executives like Meg Kane (Philadelphia) and Jason Krutzsch (Los Angeles) highlighted the challenge of ensuring a welcoming environment amidst heavy-handed immigration crackdowns, particularly following recent violence in Los Angeles related to ICE raids.
Host city CEOs say US immigration raids create ‘uncertainty’ for 2026 World Cup
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CEOs of US host city committees for the 2026 World Cup expressed concerns on Monday that ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, slow visa processing, and travel bans are creating 'uncertainty' for welcoming millions of foreign visitors. While acknowledging the Trump administration's support for the World Cup, executives like Meg Kane (Philadelphia) and Jason Krutzsch (Los Angeles) highlighted the challenge of ensuring a welcoming environment amidst heavy-handed immigration crackdowns, particularly following recent violence in Los Angeles related to ICE raids.
Trending- 1 First term under President Trump: Letters of intent for World Cup signed.
- 2 Second term under President Trump: Administration supportive of FIFA World Cup.
- 3 Recently: Violence in Los Angeles surrounding ICE raids and National Guard deployment.
- 4 Monday (June 9, 2025): Host city CEOs gather in New York City and express concerns.
- 5 2026: 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by US, Canada, Mexico.
- Uncertainty for 2026 World Cup preparations
- Potential impact on fan attendance and the welcoming environment for visitors
- Ongoing discussions between FIFA and the US federal government
What: Host city executives for the 2026 World Cup in the US are concerned that US immigration policies, including ICE raids, slow visa processing, and travel bans, are creating 'uncertainty' for the tournament.
When: Executives spoke on Monday (June 9, 2025). The World Cup is scheduled for next year (2026).
Where: United States, specifically affecting the 11 US host cities for the 2026 World Cup, with discussions held in New York City. Los Angeles is highlighted due to recent violence.
Why: The policies (ICE raids, visa delays, travel bans) are perceived to contradict the message of welcoming international visitors, potentially impacting fan attendance and the overall atmosphere of the tournament.
How: Host city committees are monitoring the situation and hoping for constructive conversations between FIFA and the federal government to address these issues.