Wyden warns Trump policies may harm US reputation at World Cup

OREGON (KTVZ) -- U.S. Senator Ron Wyden demanded the Trump administration explain its record of entry denials and visa problems affecting fans, players, referees, and family members traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup games hosted in the United States. Wyden's concerns extend to the potential impact on America's reputation ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Oregon senator's letter urges the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to address these issues promptly, emphasizing the importance of a smoother travel process for major sporting events.

Sen. Wyden's letter was addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. He previously wrote to both departments more than a year ago, expressing concerns about their policies concerning travelers visiting the United States for major sporting events. He warned that certain policies would undermine the economic and reputational success of events that should highlight the United States as a welcoming country.

The senator noted in his letter that multiple Trump administration policy changes regarding visa issuances for foreign nationals have led to due process violations, mistreatment, prolonged questioning and detention, lengthy visa interview wait-times, visa revocations and arbitrary denials of entry for visitors and returning residents of the United States.

U.S. Sen. Wyden from Oregon expressed that recent entry denials and visa issues experienced by foreign travelers attending the World Cup clearly indicate his previous warnings have materialized. Wyden previously stated, “I warned that the Trump administration's attacks on foreign nationals visiting the United States would undermine the economic and reputational success of events that should spotlight the United States as a welcoming country worth visiting.”

Wyden further elaborated on the current situation, writing, “Recent entry denials and visa issues experienced by foreign travelers attending the World Cup make painfully clear that has been the case.” He added that over the past year and a half, “ordinary travel has turned into a traumatizing ordeal for tourists, business travelers, lawfully permanent residents and U.S. citizens.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is anticipated to be the largest sporting event in U.S. history. FIFA initially expected at least 5 million international visitors and the State Department later estimated 10 million visitors to the United States. However, early reports from the tourism sector show signs of lackluster attendance, according to Wyden.

Wyden stated, “FIFA expected at least 5 million international visitors and the State Department more recently estimated 10 million visitors to the United States. However, early reports from the tourism sector already show signs of lackluster attendance, due to concerns about travel to the United States.”

The Trump administration has implemented a full travel ban on 20 countries, restricting entry for both immigrants and nonimmigrants. Wyden noted that citizens from other countries have chosen not to travel to the United States due to fears of being targeted by U.S. immigration agents, calling these fears “not unfounded.” He wrote, “The Trump administration has placed a full travel ban on 20 countries, restricting entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants alike, while citizens from other countries ultimately chose not to travel to the United States due to fears of being targeted by U.S. immigration agents. These fears are not unfounded.”

Wyden highlighted that such situations unnecessarily endanger the United States' international standing. He wrote, “Such stories needlessly jeopardize the United States' reputation on the world stage and have a chilling effect on those considering whether they should visit the United States.”

Sen. Wyden wrote to urge the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to take corrective steps to ensure a smoother process for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games and the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Wyden also urged the departments to uphold the rights of travelers, avoid unnecessary denials, detention and deportation of anyone attending these games and keep Congress apprised of their efforts to ensure the success of these major sporting events.