As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw unfolds in Washington, D.C., California lawmakers say the US is racing against time to fix major challenges—from visa bottlenecks and travel bans to skyrocketing ticket prices—that could undermine the largest World Cup in history.

With more than a million foreign visitors expected to travel to the US for the tournament, lawmakers warn that severe visa delays could shut out thousands of fans.

But lawmakers note that even the new fast-track system excludes fans from 19 restricted countries—including Iran and Haiti, both of which have qualified for the tournament.

Travel ban conflicts with US host obligations

Recently, the Trump administration barred travel from several nations over security concerns, and officials are considering extending restrictions to

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