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Members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet said Tuesday that they are looking forward to co-hosting for next year’s FIFA World Cup, but they hope to ensure they don’t stay longer than they are allowed.
The quarterly tournament that the US hosts alongside Mexico and Canada is expected to attract millions of fans from dozens of countries. The Department of Homeland Security has shown that it is ready to handle the influx of international travelers.
“Of course, everyone can see this incredible event,” Vice President JD Vance said at a meeting of the World Cup Task Force, Trump will be led by Trump, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“But when time passes, they have to go home, otherwise they have to talk to Secretary Norme,” Vance said to Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem, who spearheaded the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy reflected Vance’s warning.
“If you’re coming to watch football… go on a road trip. Look at America,” he said before changing his tone. “Don’t continue your visa. Don’t last too long.”
Of the 104 games of the tournament, 78 will be played in the US, with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at other match venues in the US, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and Miami.
Two factors could affect the number of tourists traveling to North America for tournaments next summer. For the first time in the 95-year history of the World Cup, the tournament will be expanded to 48 teams. In recent years, only 32 people have participated.
The expanded format is expected to attract more tourists, but Trump’s hard-hit immigration policies may have a cooling effect.
Those who participated in the Palestinian protest were asked if they should be worried about participating in the US World Cup. Trump said: Attorney General Pam Bondy took part in Tuesday’s task force meeting.
Infantino previously estimated that the country will have 10 million international tourists at the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the US this summer and next year’s World Cup.
Noem threw a more charming tone on Tuesday than some of her administration’s colleagues. She cast the tournament as “an opportunity for the world to become a friendly place.”
“We take care of their documents and travel documents. It goes smoothly and make sure they can come, have fun, bring in family and friends and collect memories,” she said.
President Donald Trump met with members of the World Cup Task Force appointed on Tuesday to ensure the 2026 edition will be “the best football tournament ever seen.”
This story first appeared on nbcnews.com. More from NBC News:
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