A global tournament meets strict home-field policies
President Trump touted the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism and global unity on U.S. soil.But the feel-good vibes surrounding the world's biggest sporting event have been dampened by stories of immigration crackdowns and visa restrictions in the run-up to the tournament.Why it matters: The World Cup is an early test of whether Trump can successfully host a global spectacle while pressing his America First agenda, with the 2028 Olympics looming just two years later.Zoom out: Visa barriers and broader international concerns are suppressing international demand for World Cup travel, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Across host markets, close to 80% of hotel owners and operators said their bookings were below initial forecasts, per the AHLA. The group said World Cup cities were wrestling with multiple challenges, from a perception abroad that visas would be delayed to increased fuel prices.Zoom in: A string of travel-related run-ins has fueled criticism of the Trump administration:Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was denied entry at Miami International Airport due to "vetting concerns," according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A senior administration official alleged that Artan was linked to terror organizations, but Artan told the New York Times, "I think they have a problem with my country." Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for hours at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Reuters reported, citing an Iraqi sporting official."During processing, two travelers [with the Iraqi team] underwent additional inspection," a CBP spokesperson told Axios. One traveler was admitted, but the second — a photographer — was denied entry, also due to "vetting concerns."Restrictions on Iranian nationals created a diplomatic quagmire for FIFA. While Iran's players were granted visas, staff members were reportedly turned away.Sports reporters have also faced visa restrictions, according to a letter from the International Sports Press Association.Friction point: Domestic fear of ICE presence at games also threatened to derail stadium service at a Los Angeles-area venue after workers authorized a strike, in part over immigration enforcement concerns.Operators reached a deal with the workers' union, but it said they retain "the contractual right to walk off the job" if "federal immigration enforcement threatens worker safety" during a match.More broadly, immigrant rights groups have warned fans to be on guard for immigration enforcement tied to World Cup matches.Yes, but: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CBS News in a May interview that ICE's mission was not "to go round up mass individuals," adding that "we are always looking for the worst of the worst."The Trump administration has softened some barriers to entry for the World Cup, including waiving its up to $15,000 visa bonds for certain individuals.Several DHS components, including ICE and its Homeland Security Investigations team, are coordinating on the massive undertaking of securing the sprawling tournament, which will be played in 11 U.S. cities.Asked about the complications on Wednesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, "It's not easy when you have 300,000 accredited people, the majority of which are from outside of the U.S., to process them, to vet them."What they're saying: "President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but ... also the safest and most secure in history — and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement provided to Axios.Reality check: The political controversy could fade once play gets underway and the focus shifts to the field.Bottom line: The world will be watching how the Trump administration handles a wave of international footballers and fans.Go deeper: Scoop: Trump admin pre-blames Europe for any World Cup Ebola