The United States is falling dangerously behind in preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warned U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman during a recent congressional hearing. According to a report by the travel industry publication Travel Pulse, Freeman emphasized that bureaucratic delays, outdated systems, and global competition pose serious risks to the country’s ability to welcome millions of international visitors expected for the event.

“I have all the faith in the world in the local destinations that are hosting the World Cup,” Freeman told the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. “The question really becomes, in terms of getting people to the games, moving about the U.S. and moving into the United States.”

In his testimony, Freeman urged Congress to take immediate action to modernize the American travel system ahead of a series of global events the country will host over the next few years, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the Ryder Cup, the 250th anniversary of American independence, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“These events are projected to generate nearly $100 billion in economic activity and bring an estimated 40 million international travelers to our shores,” Freeman said. “Yet, our current travel infrastructure is simply not prepared to handle that scale.”

Visa Backlogs, Screening Delays, and Outdated Technology

Freeman outlined a number of persistent challenges facing inbound travel to the U.S., particularly visa backlogs, long wait times at TSA checkpoints, and aging screening and air traffic control systems. He noted that the nation’s customs and airport screening infrastructure is in dire need of modernization to ensure both efficiency and security.

“Travel is an economic powerhouse in the U.S., driving nearly $2.9 trillion in economic activity each year,” Freeman said. “But we now face growing challenges that threaten both the future of the industry and America’s competitive edge.”

He also pointed to increasing international competition from countries like China, India, and Saudi Arabia, which are aggressively investing in their travel infrastructure to attract more global visitors.

Alarming Drop in International Arrivals

Freeman’s warnings come amid troubling signs for U.S. inbound tourism. A recent Associated Press report noted a sharp 11.6% drop in international arrivals in March compared to the previous year. The decline, according to the report, is being driven by traveler frustrations with U.S. policies and procedures, as well as growing unease with the political climate.

Some international tourists have been deterred by incidents involving arrests at U.S. borders, while others are reportedly put off by tariffs and rhetoric from the Trump administration. The U.S. Travel Association has warned that these factors could be pushing global travelers to choose alternative destinations.

A National Call to Action

In February, the U.S. Travel Association launched a national campaign to raise awareness and press policymakers to act. The campaign outlines key policy proposals aimed at transforming the travel experience from pre-departure to arrival, ensuring it is both seamless and secure.

“Modernization is essential to ensure we remain competitive and responsive to the evolving needs of global travelers,” Freeman said. “At a time when every economic opportunity matters, we must work together to strengthen our travel infrastructure and keep pace with the rest of the world.”