Published on February 19, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Image generated with Ai
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Texas, alongside major states like California, New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois, is gearing up to host millions of global visitors. This grand spectacle promises to bring unprecedented tourism growth to the US, but there’s a significant hurdle: the Trump slump. Despite the World Cup’s massive potential, the US tourism sector continues to struggle with the aftereffects of restrictive visa policies and negative perceptions of America abroad. Will the US tourism sector rise to the occasion and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Or will the Trump slump continue to stifle the growth of international tourism to the US during this historic event?
The US tourism sector has been hit hard by these challenges, and with Texas, California, Florida, and other major states hosting key events, there’s a real risk that these tourism giants may not fully capture the World Cup influx. As cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami prepare to welcome fans, the Trump-era tourism barriers may still prevent international visitors from making the journey. Can the US tourism industry overcome this setback and turn the World Cup 2026 into a roaring success? Keep reading to find out.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to transform the United States into a global sporting hub, attracting millions of football fans from around the world. With 11 cities across the US preparing to host matches, the tournament is expected to generate significant tourism revenue. However, the Trump slump — a term that refers to the decline in foreign tourism due to stricter visa regulations, immigration policies, and an overall decline in the image of the US as a welcoming destination — still looms large. The question is: will US tourism rise to the occasion during this landmark event, or will tourism numbers continue to suffer as a result of the Trump-era travel restrictions? Below is a state-by-state breakdown of tourism trends and preparations for the World Cup.
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Tourism Opportunity:
Texas will be a major player in the FIFA World Cup 2026. With Dallas and Houston set to host matches, these cities are preparing for a significant surge in tourism. Dallas will serve as the International Broadcast Center (IBC), making it an essential hub for international media. Additionally, Houston will host fan festivals and other World Cup-related events.
However, the Trump slump continues to haunt Texas. Despite the global appeal of Texas’ World Cup matches, foreign tourism has declined in the state since the introduction of stricter visa policies. According to data from the US Department of Commerce, the decline in international visitors to Texas has been significant, with many Brazilian, Chinese, and Mexican travelers opting for other destinations due to the cumbersome visa application process.
State-By-State Strategy:
Texas is counteracting the slump by improving infrastructure, including expanding hotel accommodations, transportation networks, and public services to ensure that both domestic and international visitors are well served during the World Cup. But will global fans bypass the state’s attractions because of visa delays or other entry barriers?
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Tourism Opportunity:
California is preparing for a massive World Cup tourism boost with Los Angeles and San Francisco hosting matches. LA, in particular, is a global hotspot, attracting tourists year-round due to its entertainment industry, beaches, and cultural landmarks. With the World Cup adding to this, the state stands to benefit tremendously.
However, the Trump slump could limit California’s tourism rebound. Despite its reputation as a top destination, California continues to feel the impact of declining international visits. The tougher immigration policies under the previous administration, along with visa delays and the decline in foreign visitor numbers, could deter tourists from visiting California during the World Cup.
State-By-State Strategy:
California has launched advertising campaigns and infrastructure projects to ensure the state is ready for international visitors. But will this be enough to overcome the declining international arrival numbers?
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Tourism Opportunity:
Florida, with its Miami venue, is primed to welcome thousands of international football fans. With a rich cultural diversity, beaches, and luxury resorts, Florida is historically a top tourist destination. The state’s World Cup matches are expected to attract tourists from South America, Europe, and Asia, further boosting its already booming tourism sector.
But Florida is not immune to the Trump slump. The declining international tourism has been felt here, with many South American tourists turning to Mexico and Caribbean nations due to the visa challenges in the United States.
State-By-State Strategy:
Florida has ramped up efforts to improve the tourism experience for international visitors. From expanded visa services to improved transport systems, the state is determined to turn the World Cup into a major economic and tourism boon. However, the lingering Trump-era restrictions on international travel could still hinder the state’s efforts to capture the full potential of the tournament.
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Tourism Opportunity:
New Jersey, home to MetLife Stadium, will host several key World Cup matches. As one of the top states for international tourism, New Jersey is preparing for an influx of football fans. The state is strategically located near New York City, which gives it an added advantage of drawing in international tourists looking for affordable accommodation options and access to major tourist attractions.
But New Jersey’s tourism sector is still grappling with the Trump slump. Despite the prominent role the state will play in the World Cup, foreign visitor numbers have been affected by visa delays and complicated travel documentation processes.
State-By-State Strategy:
The state has partnered with local businesses and tourism boards to create promotions aimed at attracting international visitors. However, without a significant overhaul of US visa policies, New Jersey’s tourism sector may face difficulties in maximizing its tourism potential during the World Cup.
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Tourism Opportunity:
New York, home to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, is expected to see millions of international visitors during the World Cup 2026. The global appeal of New York combined with its prime location near key World Cup venues gives it a unique edge in attracting fans from all corners of the globe.
However, New York’s tourism sector, like the rest of the US, is still reeling from the effects of the Trump slump. Many international visitors, particularly from Europe and Asia, have found it increasingly difficult to obtain US visas.
State-By-State Strategy:
New York is aggressively pushing for increased international promotions and targeted marketing to lure visitors during the World Cup. However, the slow recovery in international tourism means New York could miss out on potential visitors unless US entry policies are reformed.
Tourism Opportunity:
Chicago is poised to be one of the key host cities for the World Cup 2026. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, restaurants, and historic landmarks have made it a top destination for international travelers. Hosting the World Cup offers Chicago a unique opportunity to increase its tourism appeal even further.
However, Illinois has experienced a decline in foreign visitors due to the Trump slump. While domestic tourism has remained steady, international tourists from Asia and Europe have been deterred by visa challenges.
State-By-State Strategy:
To counteract this, Chicago is working closely with local tourism boards and businesses to ensure that international travelers feel welcomed and accommodated. But will these efforts be enough to overcome the visa barriers that continue to impact foreign tourism?
The US tourism sector is at a crossroads. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup right around the corner, states like Texas, California, Florida, and New York are preparing to welcome millions of international football fans. However, the Trump slump — the lingering effects of tougher immigration policies — is still a major challenge.
Will the US tourism sector be able to overcome this slump and capitalize on the massive economic opportunities presented by the World Cup? Or will global fans bypass the US in favor of more tourism-friendly destinations like Mexico or Canada?
One thing is certain: The stakes are incredibly high. With billions of dollars on the line, the US tourism sector must find a way to rise above the challenges and ensure that the World Cup 2026 is a success for both the country’s tourism industry and the millions of fans eager to experience the tournament.
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Tags: FIFA World Cup 2026, Tourism Challenges, US host cities, US Tourism, US Travel

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