Overview

• In comments recapped from a Politico interview, Lalas told President Trump, “This is on our watch, and so let’s not f--- it up,” saying the tournament’s success will reflect on the country and on Trump.
• He acknowledged that negative views of the United States may discourage tourists from traveling for the 2026 World Cup and called that a real problem.
• Coverage ties those concerns to worries about possible ICE raids and the administration’s immigration crackdown in major host cities.
• Lalas, a Fox Sports analyst and member of the 2026 World Cup Task Force, urged clear assurances that vetted visitors will have a positive experience.
• Local readiness issues also feature in the debate, with reporting on Philadelphia residents’ concerns that proposed SEPTA service cuts could hurt the city’s hosting role.