The United States is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that they will co-host with Canada and Mexico. According to a statement released on May 18, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is closely monitoring electronic travel authorizations, trusted traveler programs, and information tools for international visitors.
The U.S. government presents these preparations as a central element in welcoming the expected supporters during the tournament. The competition, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. The United States will host 78 out of the 104 matches and expects the arrival of over five million visitors on their territory.
More than 5.9 million ESTA applications were received between October 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, under the Visa Waiver Program, resulting in over 5 million approved travel authorizations. The top five countries in terms of ESTA approvals are the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
The CBP emphasizes the need for travelers to prepare in advance. International visitors are encouraged to check if they need an ESTA or a visa, ensure their passport is valid throughout their stay, and familiarize themselves with prohibited items or restrictions upon arrival in the U.S.
In addition to ESTA, the CBP received over 1.6 million applications for Trusted Traveler programs between October 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. These programs include Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS, offering expedited procedures for low-risk travelers at select airports and land border crossings.
The CBP highlights COMPASS, its new interactive and secure virtual assistant for travelers heading to the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Launched on April 1, 2026, COMPASS has reportedly answered over 25,000 questions in just over a month.
The CBP also addresses preparations for international charter flights and general aviation aircraft transporting teams, officials, and supporters during the competition. Pilots and operators of general aviation aircraft will need to submit a complete manifest through the APIS system, obtain permission to land at CBP port of entry, and coordinate operations with relevant authorities.
The CBP has issued guidance documents to help operators better anticipate arrival and departure procedures during the tournament.
