U.S. Vice President JD Vance has sparked controversy with comments made during a press conference about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. While expressing enthusiasm for the global event, Vance delivered a blunt message to international visitors: enjoy the game—but don’t plan on sticking around.
“We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game,” Vance said. “But, when the time is up, they’ll have to go home, otherwise they’ll have to talk to Secretary Noem.” The reference to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem drew concern given her department’s increasing role in strict immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
The comment comes as the U.S. prepares for an estimated two million foreign visitors during the tournament. Noem emphasized that the Department of Homeland Security, alongside the FBI and State Department, is working to ensure a “smooth” World Cup experience—but made it clear the welcome has a hard expiration date.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed the sentiment, warning visitors not to overstay their visas. “This is a short-term push of people coming in to see soccer matches, and then they’ll go home,” he said.
The warning follows a wave of executive orders from Trump targeting immigrants and green card holders, including mass deportations. One widely criticized case involved a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison—despite not having a criminal record.
While Vance tried to frame his comments as logistical, critics argue they reflect a broader climate of hostility toward foreigners during a moment that’s supposed to celebrate global unity through sport. With less than a year to go, the message is clear: watch the match, then catch your flight.
