If you’re gearing up to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vice President JD Vance has a notable caution for you.
After the recent mishap where Vice President JD Vance dropped the National Championship Football trophy during Ohio State University’s visit to the White House, President Donald Trump has selected him as the vice chair for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vance faced a wave of mockery on social media following the trophy incident, with some even jesting that the broken trophy symbolized the state of the US economy.
In response to the incident, Vance addressed the situation during a press conference about the forthcoming World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico. During the event, he also delivered a message for potential attendees.
Vance remarked, “I’m proud to be the vice chair of this for a couple of reasons. First of all, the last time the president had me round the national or international sports trophy was the College Football Playoff National Championship, and I almost broke it, and so I appreciate the president giving me a second chance here.”
He went on to say, “But of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event. I know we’ll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game.”
However, there was a caveat in Vance’s announcement, as he added, “But, when the time is up, they’ll have to go home, otherwise they’ll have to talk to secretary Noem.”
During the meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Noem projected that over two million foreign visitors would be traveling to the US for the World Cup.
She assured that her department would collaborate with the FBI and the Department of State to ensure the event proceeds ‘smoothly.’
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy conveyed a similar message, as reported by the Guardian, stating, “This is a short-term push of people coming in to see soccer matches, and then they’ll go home […] But don’t overstay your visa.”
These remarks come in the wake of Trump signing executive orders targeting immigrants and green card holders, with mass deportations resulting in over 250 individuals being sent to the Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT) in El Salvador, labeled the ‘world’s worst prison.’
One individual, Kilmar Armando Ábrego García from Maryland, was deported there last month. The administration later acknowledged his deportation resulted from an ‘admin error.’
Despite recognizing the mistake, the Supreme Court’s directive for Trump’s administration to ‘facilitate’ García’s return, and Trump’s suggestion that El Salvador might return García, he has not yet returned to the US.