US President Donald Trump expressed his hope that many international visitors will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, during his speech at the UN General Assembly. He stated, "I hope you all come. I hope that countless people from all over the globe will take part."

Despite this invitation, recent data shows a decline in overseas travel to the United States. In August, the number of international visitors dropped by 2.9% year-on-year, totaling around 3.5 million. This marks the sixth consecutive month of declining travel, contradicting global tourism trends and expectations of a rebound by 2025.

The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to be a major event, with FIFA reporting over 1.5 million ticket applications from fans in 210 countries within just 24 hours of the presale draw. The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 cities.

However, potential visitors may face challenges due to new visa policies. Those from non-visa waiver countries will incur a $250 "visa integrity fee" in addition to existing charges, and the average wait time for a B-1/B-2 visa interview is currently 169 days. This could particularly affect fans from countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, which traditionally send large numbers of supporters to the World Cup.

While tourists from visa-waiver countries, mainly in Europe, are exempt from the new fee, concerns about border checks have deterred some from planning trips to the US. Additionally, the White House is considering stricter visa durations for students, cultural exchange participants, and media members, as indicated by a proposed regulation in August. The 2028 Olympics will take place in Los Angeles in July 2028.