As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several countries, primarily in Europe, are updating their travel advisories for Americans’ would-be guests, injecting geopolitical and public safety concerns into what is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in history.

France, Germany, and Ireland have all revised guidance for travelers in recent weeks, with advisories focusing on protests, law enforcement activity, and the potential for violence in certain U.S. cities. The updates come as millions of international fans are expected to descend on North America for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Minneapolis at the center of new warnings

France updated its U.S. travel advisory in January following protests in Minneapolis that reportedly led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens and protesters during encounters with ICE officers. The advisory urges French travelers to avoid the city center, stay away from demonstrations, and limit movement if unrest escalates.

“Local authorities are urging residents to avoid the city centre,” the advisory states, recommending travelers remain informed and steer clear of gatherings.

Germany issued similar guidance the same month, warning that demonstrations in Minneapolis and other cities could become violent and involve immigration or security forces. The German government also noted that violent crime rates in the U.S. remain higher than in major German cities, encouraging travelers to avoid crowds and closely follow local reporting.

Ireland followed with its own advisory, urging Irish citizens traveling to the Twin Cities area to “exercise caution”.

While these advisories do not explicitly reference the World Cup, they arrive as host cities and nearby regions prepare for a massive influx of international visitors, putting added scrutiny on public safety and civil liberties during a global event.

Canada emphasizes border preparedness

Canada, which will also host World Cup matches, has not issued a Minneapolis-specific advisory but has offered guidance for Canadians traveling to the U.S. for the tournament. Canadian officials advise fans to carry proof of match tickets and accommodations, noting that U.S. border officers may request verification. Travelers are also encouraged to comply closely with entry requirements and consider flying rather than traveling by land.

Civil rights groups urge caution

Beyond government advisories, civil rights organizations are sounding alarms of their own. A coalition of Florida-based groups, including the ACLU of Florida and the Florida Immigration Coalition, has publicly urged international visitors to reconsider travel to the state, citing alleged civil rights violations tied to immigration enforcement.

“When federal and local agents can detain anyone at any time without cause and without identifying themselves, everyone is at risk,” said Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, in comments to Florida Today. “International visitors must ask themselves if a soccer match is worth the risk.”

Florida is slated to host several major sporting events tied to the World Cup and other international tournaments, making the warnings particularly notable.

U.S. officials push back with World Cup welcome campaign

Despite the growing list of advisories, along with expanded immigration enforcement, a renewed travel ban, and proposed visa requirements that could include DNA or social media screening, the U.S. government is actively encouraging fans to attend.

The State Department recently launched a dedicated website promoting travel to the U.S. for the World Cup, framing the tournament as a global showcase moment.

“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America,” President Donald Trump said in a statement on the site. “And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe.”

Tourism trends add pressure

The timing is critical. Preliminary airline booking data for the coming summer shows international travel to the U.S. trending downward from Europe, according to travel industry analysts. While some markets, notably Mexico, remain strong, overall international tourism to the U.S. declined throughout 2025.

With events like the World Cup and America250 on the horizon, tourism officials are counting on sports to help reverse that trend. But the combination of travel advisories, heightened border scrutiny, and political uncertainty could complicate those expectations.

For global soccer fans, the World Cup remains the draw. For governments and travelers alike, the context surrounding the host nation is becoming harder to ignore.

Related stories

WORLD CUP 2026

European fans shun U.S. World Cup trips

WORLD CUP 2026

Portugal’s World Cup base: CR7 returns to the U.S.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.