Miami World Cup Officials Play Down Travel Concerns a Year from Kick-off
As a gleaming clock began ticking towards the 2026 World Cup, Miami officials launched the city’s one-year countdown seeking to allay fears that America’s stricter immigration stance could deter the overseas fans that it hopes to attract.
The celebratory unveiling on Wednesday, featuring singer Marc Anthony, came just days after unrest in Los Angeles and amid the implementation of stricter border controls under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“I don’t think anybody has anything to be afraid of. Miami is an incredibly welcoming place, and we’re very excited to welcome the world,” Alina T. Hudak, president of the 2026 Miami Host Committee, said at the countdown event.
The digital clock, soon to greet travelers at Miami International Airport, marks 365 days until the start of the biggest World Cup in history — 48 teams playing 104 matches across three North American nations, Reuters reported.
However, security arrangements have drawn particular scrutiny, especially regarding the involvement of immigration enforcement agencies.
Marcio Carvalho Da Silva Correia, a Brazilian visitor to Miami, told Reuters he had heard people talking about concerns they had about the World Cup.
