The world is coming to America for next summer’s World Cup. There are big concerns over whether the US is ready

washingtonCNN — The 2026 World Cup is still more than a year away, but top travel executives are warning the US could struggle to effectively stage the tournament unless big changes are made quickly.US Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman and MGM Resorts International president and CEO William Hornbuckle told CNN Sport that they have real concerns about whether the US travel system is prepared to handle the influx of foreign travelers expected in next summer’s soccer extravaganza.The worries run the gamut. Lengthy wait times for fan visa approvals could discourage thousands from trying to come to the US for the tournament. Outdated technology and staffing shortages could lead to long waits for visitors who arrive in the US to clear customs. Long lines to get through security could potentially snake all the way outside of airports. A lack of an interagency task force inside the Trump White House means a less-than-streamlined federal response to the various problems.The FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy is on display ahead of the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Zürich, Switzerland.Related article2026 World Cup final will include halftime show for the first timeFreeman told CNN that time is running out to address the list of worries, even if the tournament is still more than 15 months away – though he emphasized that he holds out hope that the administration can correct course.“We’re running out of time,” he said. “It’s only 16 months away from when we have the kick-off. … We’ve got three locations in Canada, one location in Mexico – there are visitors who are going to want to transfer across borders here. How is that going to work? We would like to see much more urgency to get to the bottom of that.”He added: “Where is the urgency to really focus on what it takes to make this event a success? The way we’re pacing, we’re going to struggle. But it’s not too late to put the resources forward to focus on some of these key obstacles and to ensure that America does, as the president has asked for, show off and have the greatest World Cup that’s ever been played.”The expanded 48-team tournament, the largest in history, kicks off on June 11, 2026, and is jointly hosted between the US, Mexico and Canada – a triumvirate with deep divisions at the moment sparked by President Donald Trump’s trade war with the US’ northern and southern neighbors. The first game will be played in Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca before Southern California takes the stage with the United States’ first game the following day.Fans of the U.S. men’s soccer team hold scarves and flags before the opening game of the Copa America tournament on Friday, June 3. The Americans lost 2-0 to Colombia in Santa Clara, California.Fans of the US Men’s National Team hold scarves and flags ahead of a 2016 Copa América match in 2016. Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY SportsIn a statement to CNN, a FIFA spokesperson said the world governing body for soccer is working with the US government to make sure the tournament is a success and is confident that the Trump administration will do what’s necessary to make the competition a streamlined process for fans around the world.“It is worth noting that the current administration was in office during the successful bid process for 2026 and signed the government guarantees as part of that process,” the spokesperson said.“We continue to work with various departments and agencies of the US Government to ensure the US can capitalize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to tap into billions of dollars in positive financial benefits and goodwill, and bring millions of people from different nations and communities together to celebrate in the United States.”The month-long celebration of soccer is expected to bring millions of foreign guests to the United States – anywhere between six and eight million, the US Travel Association estimates. The influx of travelers is expected to strain the system, especially as the federal government is under immense pressure from Trump and Elon Musk to cut costs.The travel association estimates that more than three million people will move through America’s airports approximately 50 times in 2026, as opposed to five times in 2024. Hornbuckle said that increase in volume is going to lead to overloading.“We already know that that surging demand … is going to overwhelm the system,” Freeman said. “It’s not a question of: ‘Will it?’ It will. The system wasn’t built to handle the demand we have coming.”“One of the things we’re just generally concerned with is: as the administration is going through some of the vibrations it’s now going through, staying focused and understanding what the impacts are to this industry are important,” Hornbuckle added.He added, “The volumes will increase, and the environment is not ripe to do that yet. And so … we recognize we need to get there and are so excited to participate. (It’s) not going to be easy – never thought it was but, particularly now, it’s not going to be easy.”Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesman, said Trump is all-in on doing what needs to be done to make the event go smoothly.“President Trump is a sports enthusiast and legendary showman. He will work to deliver a spectacular event that showcases American Greatness while ensuring smooth logistics for all world-class athletes and guests in attendance,” Rogers said.