As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw unfolds in Washington, D.C., California lawmakers say the US is racing against time to fix major challenges—from visa bottlenecks and travel bans to skyrocketing ticket prices—that could undermine the largest World Cup in history.
With more than a million foreign visitors expected to travel to the US for the tournament, lawmakers warn that severe visa delays could shut out thousands of fans.
Rep. Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills) said according to a report in Los Angeles Times: “All attention should be on our outstanding athletes, not bureaucratic backlogs.”
But lawmakers note that even the new fast-track system excludes fans from 19 restricted countries—including Iran and Haiti, both of which have qualified for the tournament.
Travel ban conflicts with US host obligations
Recently, the Trump administration barred travel from several nations over security concerns, and officials are considering extending restrictions to more countries.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore) said the bans contradict the spirit of the World Cup and violate commitments the US made while bidding to host.
“I don’t like what it says about us as a host country, if we’re denying visas and excluding countries,” Swalwell said. “We will never have the World Cup again. We will be permanently banned.”
The restrictions also clash with President Trump’s 2018 assurance to FIFA that fans from all countries would be admitted “without discrimination.”
Security concerns and ‘militarized’ cities
Lawmakers also questioned the deployment of National Guard troops and ICE agents in seven World Cup host cities.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) warned the approach could intimidate fans. “Scaring the bejesus out of people… that’s not how you boost ticket sales,” Kamlager-Dove was quoted as saying by the news outlet.
She urged a security plan that protects spectators without projecting fear: “People don’t want to buy a brand that isn’t inclusive.”
Ticket prices skyrocket to $44,000
Ticket costs have soared due to FIFA’s unprecedented 30% cut on all resales—15% from sellers and 15% from buyers. Lawmakers fear the pricing structure is locking out average fans.
Kamlager-Dove called the markups excessive: “They have to get more transparent about why they’re charging so much. Why does it feel like price gouging?”
US must get this right
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) noted that California has handled major events—from Olympics to Super Bowls—but needs federal alignment.
Trump’s threat to move games alarms host cities
Trump has repeatedly threatened to shift matches out of cities he considers “a little bit dangerous,” a comment made just weeks ago.
Swalwell reportedly urged restraint. “We have an opportunity to show we’re open for business. I hope the president embraces that rather than sabotage Americans who would suffer if he gets this wrong,” Swalwell was quoted as saying.