The United States has experienced a significant drop in tourist arrivals, partly due to stricter immigration policies and international tensions during Donald Trump’s presidency. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, it remains uncertain whether football enthusiasts will help boost tourism numbers.
For years, the US has been a top global vacation hotspot, drawing visitors to popular destinations like Disney World and Times Square. However, a Bloomberg report indicates that China is on track to surpass the US as the world’s leading tourism economy in the coming years, with its travel and tourism sector growing by 9.9% last year, outpacing the US.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, stated in an interview that if both countries maintain similar growth rates, China could become the world’s largest tourism economy by the end of the decade. She highlighted the rapid rise of China’s tourism industry compared to the US.
The upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to start in June, could present an opportunity for a surge in US tourism. However, concerns loom within the US tourism industry, citing factors such as currency fluctuations and Trump administration policies, particularly on immigration, which have discouraged travelers, notably Canadians, a key source of foreign tourists.
In 2025, Canadian visits to the US dropped by nearly 30%, with declines also seen from Australia, India, and Western Europe. Residents of Lewiston, New York, near the Canadian border, noted a significant decrease in Canadian tourists, expressing frustration over changing dynamics and current events.
With 75% of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches set to be held in the US, there is hope that this major sporting event will stimulate tourism and revenue. Nonetheless, concerns linger about the potential impact of Trump’s foreign policy, including the introduction of a $250 visa integrity fee and plans for social media screening of visitors, which could deter travel to the US.
Sepp Blatter, former FIFA President, has suggested fans consider avoiding the US for the World Cup, despite matches also taking place in Canada and Mexico. Despite initial concerns, flight and hotel bookings have shown an increase following the announcement of game dates and venues in December.
The tourism sector is cautiously optimistic about the potential for recovery in 2026, awaiting further developments and monitoring the evolving travel landscape.
