{"id":27263,"date":"2026-03-23T16:49:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/23\/chaos-erupts-at-us-airports-with-less-than-100-days-until-the-start-of-the-2026-world-cup\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T16:49:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:49:29","slug":"chaos-erupts-at-us-airports-with-less-than-100-days-until-the-start-of-the-2026-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/23\/chaos-erupts-at-us-airports-with-less-than-100-days-until-the-start-of-the-2026-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Chaos erupts at US airports with less than 100 days until the start of the 2026 World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"
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W<\/span>With less than 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. airports are facing unprecedented disruption, causing concern for fans heading to the tournament across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Security concerns and staffing shortages have compounded the challenge, leaving federal officials scrambling to ensure safe and efficient travel.<\/p>\n
The competition begins on June 11th in Mexico, with Mexico hosting South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Group A.<\/p>\n
It is then scheduled to travel to the United States and Canada on June 12, where disruptions at U.S. airports have drawn increased attention from law enforcement. <\/p>\n
Officials say the risk to fans’ safety is too high, citing risks related to threats of retaliation due to the ongoing war with Iran. <\/p>\n
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Lionel Messi’s magical goal shows he is ready for the World Cup<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Compounding the problem is that $625 million in federal security funding earmarked for the World Cup remains pending, according to people familiar with the matter. <\/p>\n
These funds were part of a Republican-backed spending bill passed in July 2025 that was intended to strengthen safety plans for venues and staging areas across the host nation.<\/p>\n
“Funding delays and threat warnings have further complicated an already complex process,” officials told Reuters, underscoring the strain on state and city planners preparing for one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events.<\/p>\n
Airport delays increase frustration and concern<\/h2>\n
Travelers in the U.S. are also experiencing long lines and flight delays as the government remains partially shut down and the Department of Homeland Security is underfunded. <\/p>\n
The TSA, which is responsible for airport security, has not paid its employees for five weeks. More than 400 TSA employees have retired since mid-February, further deepening the staffing shortage.<\/p>\n
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy addressed the situation on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” saying, “They’re trying to take away other jobs to put food on the table and pay the rent. <\/p>\n
“I think it’s going to get worse, and as it gets worse, I think there’s going to be more pressure on Congress to come up with a solution.” <\/p>\n
In response, President Donald Trump announced Saturday that ICE agents would replace TSA agents at airports across the country. <\/p>\n
White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed this on CNN’s “State of the Union,” saying, “We’ll have a plan by the end of today about which airports we’re going to fly from and where we’re going to send them.”<\/p>\n
Airport employee union clashes with bosses<\/h2>\n
The decision drew harsh criticism from Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. <\/p>\n
“TSA officers come to work every day without pay because they believe in our mission to keep the flying public safe,” Kelly said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey should be paid and not replaced by untrained armed agents who have shown how dangerous they are.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the World Cup approaches, fans visiting U.S. airports face uncertainty, including delays and safety concerns. <\/p>\n
With less than three months to go, it will be critical for President Trump and federal officials to resolve closures, funding delays and staffing issues to prevent disruption and preserve the global reputation of one of sports’ biggest events.<\/p>\n
The clock is ticking for both airport operators and World Cup organizers, with travelers and officials on high alert as kick-off approaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n