The United States is experiencing a notable decrease in tourist arrivals, partly due to stricter immigration regulations and political tensions during Donald Trump’s presidency. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, there is anticipation about whether football enthusiasts will help boost visitor numbers.
Historically a popular vacation spot, the US has attracted tourists to iconic destinations like Disney World and Times Square. However, China is on track to surpass the US as the world’s leading tourism economy in the coming years, according to a report by Bloomberg news agency. The Chinese travel and tourism sector expanded by 9.9% last year, outpacing the growth rate of the US.
Gloria Guevara, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council, pointed out that if both countries continue growing at similar rates, China could become the world’s largest tourism economy by the end of the decade. Guevara emphasized the rapid rise of China compared to the shrinking tourism industry in the US.
With the upcoming FIFA World Cup scheduled to start in June, there is potential for a surge in tourism to the US. However, concerns exist within the US tourism industry, citing issues such as currency fluctuations and the Trump administration’s policies on immigration, which have deterred travelers, particularly Canadians, the primary source of foreign tourists to the US.
In 2025, Canadian visits to the US dropped by nearly 30%, while travel from Australia, India, and Western Europe also declined. Residents of Lewiston, New York, bordering Canada, expressed dismay over the decrease in Canadian tourists visiting their town, with some feeling disheartened by the situation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see 75% of matches hosted in the US, typically a boon for host nations. Despite hopes for increased visits and revenue in the US tourism sector, concerns linger over the potential impact of Trump’s foreign policies, including the introduction of a $250 visa integrity fee and plans for social media screening of certain visitors, which may discourage travel to the US.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter recommended fans avoid traveling to the US for the World Cup, although flight and hotel bookings surged following the announcement of game dates and venues in December. The tourism industry remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects for recovery in 2026.
