With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics fast approaching, serious concerns are emerging over whether the United States’ travel and transportation infrastructure can handle the enormous influx of international visitors. As one of the world’s most-visited countries, the U.S. already faces challenges with long airport wait times, outdated public transit systems, and visa processing delays—issues that could be magnified when millions of fans, athletes, and officials arrive for these global sporting events.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Airports Under Pressure
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will require seamless transportation between venues, with the U.S. hosting the majority of matches. Major airports in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas will be key entry points for fans traveling across North America. However, industry experts warn that outdated airport facilities, staff shortages, and long immigration lines could cause severe bottlenecks.
In Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York, some of the busiest air travel hubs in the world, international passengers already experience delays that could worsen as demand surges. While airport expansion projects are underway, such as renovations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York’s JFK, critics argue that these upgrades may not be completed in time or could fall short of handling record-breaking travel numbers.
Public Transport and Traffic Gridlock
Another major challenge is public transportation and intercity travel, particularly in cities with limited rail and transit options. Unlike previous Olympic hosts such as London and Tokyo, which have efficient metro systems, many U.S. cities—including Los Angeles, the primary host of the 2028 Olympics—are notorious for traffic congestion and a lack of reliable public transport.
Los Angeles officials have pledged to expand the city’s metro network and improve infrastructure before the Olympics, but with construction delays and limited funding, doubts remain about whether these projects will be completed on time. Similarly, cities hosting World Cup matches, such as Houston, Dallas, and Kansas City, have minimal public transportation options, raising concerns about how they will accommodate international tourists unfamiliar with driving in the U.S.
Visa and Entry Delays
Beyond transportation, international visitors also face potential delays in obtaining visas and entry permits. The U.S. has been struggling with a backlog of visa applications, with some travelers facing months-long wait times for approvals. This could become a major hurdle for fans, media personnel, and even athletes trying to enter the country for these events.
The Biden administration has promised to streamline visa processing and entry procedures, but with global security concerns and evolving immigration policies, the risk of bureaucratic slowdowns remains. Some analysts fear that if not addressed, these obstacles could discourage international visitors and hurt the economic benefits the U.S. hopes to gain from hosting these major events.
Can the U.S. Fix These Issues in Time?
While officials at FIFA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and U.S. government agencies have acknowledged these challenges, there is no clear consensus on whether the country will be fully prepared. Host cities are under pressure to accelerate infrastructure projects, invest in public transport, and enhance airport capacity before the events begin.
The economic stakes are high, with the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics expected to generate billions of dollars in tourism revenue. However, if travel disruptions and logistical failures create negative experiences for visitors, the global reputation of the U.S. as a world-class event host could be at risk.
With less than two years until the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the countdown is on—and so are the challenges the U.S. must overcome to successfully welcome the world.
