U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it received more than 5.9 million ESTA applications and 1.6 million Trusted Traveler Program applications ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, as the United States prepares for increased international passenger volumes tied to the tournament. CBP said the figures reflect expanded operational planning designed to support border security, traveler processing, and aviation coordination before the competition begins next summer.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to generate one of the largest international travel-processing operations managed by CBP in recent years. 48 teams will be competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States is expected to host 78 matches and receive more than five million international visitors during the event.
CBP Expands FIFA World Cup Travel Preparations
CBP said travel authorization activity increased significantly between October 2025 and April 2026 as preparations accelerated for the tournament. The agency reported receiving more than 5.9 million Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications through the Visa Waiver Program during the reporting period.
ESTA Application Growth and Approval Trends
According to CBP’s Office of Field Operations, more than five million ESTA applications were approved during the seven-month period. The United Kingdom recorded the highest number of approvals at more than 1.2 million, followed by France, Germany, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA Applications | More than 5.9 million submitted | CBP said the applications were processed under the Visa Waiver Program between October 2025 and April 2026 |
| ESTA Approvals | Over 5 million approved | CBP reported the United Kingdom recorded the highest number of approvals during the reporting period |
| Expected Visitors | More than 5 million projected | CBP said the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to generate one of the largest international travel surges in U.S. history |
CBP said the rise in travel authorizations reflects early planning activity by international visitors. Meanwhile, the agency stated that advanced applications help improve passenger screening efficiency and reduce processing delays during major travel events.
Trusted Traveler Programs See Increased Demand
CBP also reported elevated enrollment activity across Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. The programs provide expedited processing for preapproved travelers entering the United States through participating airports and land crossings.
Expedited Processing and Border Efficiency Measures
According to CBP, more than 1.6 million Trusted Traveler Program applications were submitted during the same October 2025 through April 2026 period. The agency said it is coordinating with domestic and international partners to maintain enrollment capacity before the tournament begins.
Additionally, CBP promoted use of the Mobile Passport Control application, which allows eligible travelers to submit arrival information electronically before inspection. The agency said the system is intended to support shorter wait times and more predictable arrivals at participating airports.
- Traveler Processing: CBP said Trusted Traveler Programs are designed to reduce congestion and accelerate entry procedures for preapproved low-risk travelers.
- Operational Readiness: CBP stated it is coordinating internationally to maintain enrollment and screening capacity ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
- Mobile Processing: CBP encouraged visitors to use Mobile Passport Control to reduce inspection processing delays at participating airports.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Expected Visitor Impact
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will become the first tournament jointly hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 national teams. CBP said the United States is expected to host 78 of the competition’s 104 matches.
International Travel Guidance for Fans
CBP urged international travelers to confirm whether they require ESTA authorization or visas before departure. The agency also advised travelers to ensure passports remain valid throughout their travel period and to review restrictions covering food, plant, and animal products entering the United States.
Meanwhile, CBP reminded arriving passengers to declare food products, currency, and agricultural exposure information during inspection processing. The agency said these declarations remain part of standard U.S. entry inspection procedures during large international events.
COMPASS Virtual Assistant Supports Travelers
CBP said its new COMPASS virtual assistant became operational on April 1, 2026, to support FIFA World Cup travelers seeking information on entry requirements and border procedures. The platform is accessible through CBP’s FIFA-related travel pages.
Digital Support Usage and Traveler Questions
According to CBP, COMPASS answered more than 25,000 traveler questions during its first month of operation. The agency said inquiries included ESTA requirements, Global Entry participation, EVUS guidance, and I-94 processing information.
CBP described COMPASS as an interactive and secure virtual assistant designed to improve access to official travel information before international departures. Additionally, the agency said centralized digital guidance may help reduce processing complications caused by incomplete documentation or misunderstanding of entry rules.
Aviation and Border Coordination Ahead of Tournament
CBP said preparations also include expanded coordination involving charter operators and corporate aviation linked to teams, officials, and international visitors. The agency noted that increased general aviation traffic is expected during the tournament period.
Stakeholder Comments
Matthew S. Davies, Executive Director for Admissibility and Passenger Programs within CBP’s Office of Field Operations, said the agency is preparing proactively to balance security responsibilities with efficient traveler processing. CBP stated that pilots and operators must comply with Advance Passenger Information System requirements and secure permission to land before entering the United States from foreign locations.
The agency also issued updated General Aviation Arrival and Departure Procedures guidance for operators coordinating with CBP ports of entry. According to CBP, the updated procedures are intended to support smoother arrivals and departures during periods of elevated aviation demand.
CBP said FIFA World Cup 2026™ preparations now involve expanded travel authorization processing, trusted traveler enrollment, aviation coordination, and digital traveler support systems. The agency stated that early planning measures are intended to support secure border operations while managing one of the largest coordinated international passenger-processing operations managed by U.S. border agencies.
As international travel demand continues to increase ahead of the tournament, CBP said travelers are being encouraged to complete documentation, review entry requirements, and prepare for inspection procedures before departure.
Sources: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP COMPASS, U.S. Department of State.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
Research combines AI-assisted analysis with human-edited accuracy and context.
