America hosting the biggest soccer tournament in the world? It could be historic, but could also be humiliating.
As a soccer player in the U.S., there could be a lot more attention, money, and time put into the sport of soccer here. However, it could all change with the influence of the World Cup. The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is estimating earnings of $100 million from the 2026 World Cup. The USSF CEO JT Batson doesn’t see this money as being make-or-break; however, it could change the trajectory of the sport here in America.
“What is exciting about the $100 million is that we’ll be able to use it for very targeted investments in participation and growing-the-game types of initiatives,” Batson said. “I want to make soccer the most played sport in the country.”
The worldwide culture of soccer is hoped to be spread to the states with the attention and resources that hosting the 2026 World Cup will bring.
The benefits of America having such a big role in this upcoming World Cup could be endless if handled and prepared for precisely. With such a high reward comes a high risk, which is responsibility. The U.S. faces responsibilities of organizing and coordinating with many countries. Multiple million people will be in attendance for these matches, meaning America is responsible for a vast number of people. This will be the largest event most American cities have ever hosted, and the expectations and responsibilities are high.
The United States has never been known for soccer, especially men’s soccer, yet ironically, 78 games will be hosted in 11 American cities. However, the U.S. is notorious for its poor transportation systems.
“We’re not ready for the events (World Cup) that will draw millions of domestic and international travelers,” said The Big Lead staff.
Being the destination country that America is, many fans will be travelling for more than just a competition, but to experience American culture. Canada and Mexico are co-hosting the World Cup alongside American cities Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. But with the underemployment in airfare and the weak or non-existent public transportation in most cities, the U.S. could very likely face the humiliation of being unable to meet tourist travel demands.
Even if America fails at being able to support travel, tourism will create a significant economic boost and create over 20,000 jobs through the 2026 World Cup. A game that few Americans follow could be the same game that changes lives economically.
The benefits of the World Cup being hosted in the States seem to be high for most Americans, but other countries aren’t as fortunate. With the Trump Administration travel ban in place and various immigration rules, such as visa fees, many fans will be unable to support their country without a valid visa as of the start of this new year. More specifically, 4 qualified countries are on the full travel ban, including Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, leaving fans from these countries unable to watch their teams in the U.S.-hosted World Cup games.
These policies will affect fans from 39 countries from entering the U.S. to experience this global event, even if their home countries are playing within the United States.
Deep concerns are raised about the safety of the World Cup, with many visitors timid about the ongoing gun violence in America, but also many Americans fear terrorist attacks in prime-target cities, like New York, and the very prominent ICE detainments. Nevertheless, these concerns of safety are raised during any mass global event.
The 2026 World Cup is the same as any, a soccer tournament amongst countries. But this time, eyes won’t be solely focused on the matches, but on America’s ability to host.
