'Make sure that security is guaranteed' - FIFA president Gianni Infantino says U.S. will be welcoming to international fans for 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed that travelers from around the world will be welcomed at the 2026 World Cup, saying the sport's governing body has assurances about security from the White House.

“It is very important we have the engagement of the different government agencies to make sure that security is guaranteed, that fans can travel to the U.S. and around the U.S., that transportation is working perfectly, that the world will be welcomed," Infantino told The Washington Post.

Infantino met with President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. in March and followed it up by meeting with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel last week in Miami, the Post reported. He also met with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and discussed "security and potential issues" that could arise from a high volume of visitors expected to come to the U.S. for the global tournament.

“We got all these guarantees from the government, who is very, very engaged to make sure this Club World Cup is a huge success, because this will pave the path as well for next year," Infantino said.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first held in the U.S. since the famed 1994 event. Matches will also be played in Canada and Mexico. The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The 104-game tournament featuring 48 teams will be held in 16 cities in three countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States. The U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle. Toronto and Vancouver will hose in Canada, while Mexico venues include Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

The Club World Cup kicks off on June 14 as Inter Miami will face Al Ahly in the tournament opener. The World Cup will start on July 11, 2026.