WASHINGTON — Once every four years, the FIFA World Cup brings the world together.

What You Need To Know

  • Next year, the United States, Canada and Mexico will play host to the tournament

  • But the World Cup will be unfolding against the backdrop of Trump’s tough new border security measures and trade tensions with Canada and Mexico

  • Spencer Chandra Herbert, the minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport for the Canadian province of British Columbia, said, so far, planning among officials of the three countries has gone smoothly

  • Trump's new travel restrictions could also prevent fans of some teams from entering the U.S. for the World Cup

Next year, the United States, Canada and Mexico will play host to the tournament, with matches taking place in Los Angeles, Houston, Kansas City and other metropolitan areas across the continent. The tournament begins June 11, 2026.

“Together, we will ensure that the 2026 World Cup will be the best-run World Cup the world has ever seen,” President Donald Trump said at the White House last month. 

But the World Cup will be unfolding against the backdrop of Trump’s tough new border security measures and trade tensions with Canada and Mexico. 

Spencer Chandra Herbert, the minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport for the Canadian province of British Columbia, said, so far, planning among officials of the three countries has gone smoothly.

“We’ve had great conversations with our neighbors to the south,” he said. “Washington state — Seattle, of course — is hosting the World Cup. There is going to be a number of fans that go back and forth between the two nations. We want to make sure the border is there, it’s safe.”

Asked last month if he’s worried about any problems the joint partnership between the countries, Trump said: “No, I don’t see any tension, either. We get along with both.”

Trump’s immigration and border restrictions include banning citizens from 12 countries — mostly in the Middle East and Africa — from entering the U.S. Exceptions for the World Cup will be made for athletes, team staff and relatives of team members. But fans from those countries hoping to attend matches in the U.S. will be out of luck. That means some teams may see fewer supporters in the stands.

Herbert said he anticipates at least some Canadians deciding not to visit the U.S. for matches because of the recent tensions with the Trump administration. Trump has called for Canada to become the 51st state in the U.S., angering many Canadians.

Herbert said the Canadian people welcome Americans to head north of the border for the tournament.

Of the 16 cities hosting next year’s World Cup, 11 are on U.S. soil, with the final being held at MetLife Stadium in northern New Jersey. 

For some fans looking to attend every one of their team’s matches, it is inevitable they will need to enter the United States. 

FIFA estimates 6.5 million fans from around the globe will travel to North America to attend the tournament.