The DHS shutdown and U.S. immigration policies could hinder the World Cup
Key Takeaways
- A lapse in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding could reduce staffing at agencies that process travelers and temporary-work visas, potentially disrupting the 2026 World Cup.
- Fans, teams, broadcasters and temporary workers rely on timely visa processing, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) decisions, and border inspections handled by DHS components such as CBP and TSA.
- It has been reported that reduced staffing or contingency operations would slow passenger processing, background checks and certain consular-related clearances—raising risks of long lines, missed travel and delayed credentialing.
- Travelers and employers should plan earlier: apply for visas well in advance, register required travel authorizations, and monitor official DHS and State Department guidance.
What’s at stake
The DHS oversees several agencies that are central to the movement of people into the U.S.: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manages ports of entry and the ESTA system for Visa Waiver Program travelers; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) runs airport screening; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other DHS components are involved in background checks and certain approvals tied to immigration status. It has been reported that a funding lapse or partial DHS shutdown would force contingency operations and furlough staff whose work directly affects how quickly and smoothly people can enter the country for a major event like the World Cup.
How travel and visas could be affected
Fans and event staff use a mix of entry pathways: B-1/B-2 visitor visas, ESTA for Visa Waiver Program nationals, P visas for athletes or performers where applicable, and temporary-worker categories such as H-2B for hospitality or event labor. Many of these processes require pre-clearance checks, interagency vetting, and port-of-entry inspections. If CBP processing times slow or TSA staffing is reduced, passengers can face longer wait times and unpredictable entry decisions. It has been reported that some background vetting and credentialing operations could also be delayed, affecting broadcasters, security contractors and volunteer staff who need last-minute approvals.
What this means for travelers now
For people planning to attend or work the World Cup: apply for visas and work authorizations as early as possible, complete ESTA registration well before travel, and keep documentary proof of tickets, accommodation and employment offers. Monitor official DHS and State Department updates and consider travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations. For employers and event organizers, build extra lead time into credentialing and onboarding, and prepare contingency staffing plans in case arrivals are delayed. The human impact is straightforward: delays in government processing translate into missed games, lost wages and major logistical headaches for millions of travelers and workers.
Source: Original Article