World Cup travel chaos avoided thanks to restraint, travel group says

Geoff Freeman, head of the U.S. Travel Association, credits the Trump administration with preventing travel chaos at the 2026 World Cup by delay­ing or avoiding several proposed policies (such as the Visa Integrity Fee, CBP staffing changes, and new ESTA/VWP rules) and by expediting visas, contributing to a government-supported, billion‑dollar economic boost and a smooth tournament; data show most visitors planned to explore beyond host cities and Americans valued the positive image of welcoming international guests, underscoring tourism as a diplomatic and economic asset ahead of future events like the Olympics and Women’s World Cup.