American World Cup host city officials assured on Monday that international fans would be welcome at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite ongoing concerns over visas, border controls, and social unrest. In a briefing in New York, held just over a year before the tournament’s opening game on June 11, 2026, officials stated that President Donald Trump’s administration remained “extremely supportive” of the World Cup. Since returning to power, Trump has initiated a global trade war, threatened to annex Canada, and enforced a border crackdown resulting in harsh treatment of foreign visitors attempting to enter the United States. Trump’s immigration policies have led to civil unrest, with clashes in Los Angeles over the weekend following large-scale raids last week. Eleven American cities will host most of the games at next year’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time and expanded to include 48 teams. Executives from the local organising committees for the 11 US World Cup venues gathered in New York on Monday to discuss logistical aspects of the tournament, including transportation, stadium access, fan zones, and general access to the United States. Meg Kane, head of the Philadelphia organising committee, stated, “For each of our cities, we want to be prepared to make any person coming to the United States or this World Cup feel welcome.” Kane mentioned that while officials are planning “within uncertainty” due to national and international issues, the Trump administration is firmly behind the tournament. “We do not play a role necessarily in the decisions that are made,” Kane said. “What we can say is that the current administration — while there are certain situations we are monitoring closely — has been extremely supportive of FIFA World Cup.” Alex Lasry, the chief executive of the New York/New Jersey World Cup committee, said officials were preparing for “millions” of fans inside and outside the stadiums, regardless of the political climate. “I think sports transcends geopolitics,” Lasry told AFP. “People want to come to these mega sporting events, and they’re going to travel to cheer on and see their team play. Our job as a host committee is to ensure that our city and region are ready to welcome everyone who’s able to come to the World Cup,” added Lasry, who was formerly an assistant secretary for tourism in President Joe Biden’s administration. Jason Krutzsch, vice-president of the Los Angeles World Cup committee, said organisers are working to ensure fans “understand that they are welcome in Los Angeles and will have an amazing World Cup experience.” Krutzsch noted that they are working closely with the administration, adding that Trump’s World Cup Task Force was established to “make sure that we can welcome fans from around the world and deliver an exceptional experience.” In addition to hosting World Cup games, Los Angeles will also stage the Super Bowl in 2027 before hosting the 2028 Olympics. “We really want to make sure that 2026 goes well,” Krutzsch said. “We’re focused on delivering an exceptional experience in 2026 for the world. But they’re also learning opportunities to be successful in 2028.” With AFP Inputs