US Olympic visa trial run: Gene Sykes says 2026 World Cup will test US readiness for visitors ahead of LA 2028 amid visa concerns

The head of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Gene Sykes, said on Tuesday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would serve as a visa trial run for the country’s capacity to welcome international spectators ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

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Gene Sykes made the remarks during a progress report to members of the International Olympic Committee before the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games, where preparations for Los Angeles 2028 came under scrutiny.

Members of the committee questioned whether ticket holders for the Olympics would be able to secure visas in time, citing the tougher immigration policies introduced under President Donald Trump.

Gene Sykes said the process of receiving visitors from around the world for major sporting events was already being tested on a smaller scale through the World Cup, which the United States will co host with Mexico and Canada.

Organisers of the Los Angeles Games have created, in collaboration with federal authorities, a platform to ease entry procedures for athletes, support staff and accredited stakeholders. The arrangement, however, does not currently extend to general spectators.

Dagmawit Girmay Berhane, an International Olympic Committee member from Ethiopia, asked how equal opportunity for spectators would be guaranteed under the present arrangements.

In response, Gene Sykes said he would like to see designated officials within the United States State Department tasked specifically with handling visa issues for Olympic spectators.

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Supporters’ groups have already voiced concerns about the practical implications of hosting major tournaments across the United States, Mexico and Canada amid tighter immigration rules.