With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, preparations across the United States are kicking into high gear, and nowhere is this more evident than in Kansas City and at major international airports nationwide. As the world’s most-watched sporting event readies to descend upon North America, cities and infrastructure are racing against the clock to welcome an anticipated surge of fans, athletes, and dignitaries from across the globe.
On August 26, 2025, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest international gateway in the country, took a significant step by installing state-of-the-art biometric electronic gates. These gates, designed to speed up the entry process for foreign visitors, allow travelers to verify their passports and identities without the need for an operator. The move is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the United States is ready for the massive influx of international guests expected between June and July 2026, when the World Cup kicks off.
According to the company Clear, which is spearheading the implementation, the 2026 World Cup was a major catalyst for rolling out these gates. The technology is set to expand rapidly, with airports in Washington DC and Seattle slated as the next recipients. Travelers passing through these new checkpoints will have their personal details—name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, photograph, and biometric data such as facial scans or fingerprints—collected and processed. While this promises faster lines and a smoother arrival experience, it has also sparked debate about privacy and data protection. Some travelers and privacy advocates have voiced concerns about sensitive personal information being handled by a private company, especially with the data being so comprehensive.
The stakes are high. The United States is not just preparing for the World Cup, which it will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada, but also for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. All these events are expected to draw record numbers of visitors, putting unprecedented pressure on the country’s infrastructure and border security systems.
Overlaying these logistical challenges are broader political questions. With the World Cup and Olympics set to take place during Donald Trump’s administration, there are concerns about strict immigration policies. Some fear that even athletes from certain countries could face difficulties entering the United States under current regulations. The tension between ensuring security and maintaining an open, welcoming atmosphere for the world’s athletes and fans is palpable.
Meanwhile, in Kansas City—a key host city for the 2026 World Cup—the skyline is dotted with cranes and construction crews. The city is undergoing a transformation, with major projects aimed at modernizing public spaces and boosting transportation options. The Barney Allis Plaza redevelopment is one of the most prominent undertakings, though it recently hit a snag. A water main burst during freezing weather, flooding the site and causing delays. Despite this setback, city officials remain optimistic.
"It's a tremendous opportunity, but it's also a big responsibility," said Lance Clairborne, president of Builders AGC, echoing the sentiments of civic leaders and business owners throughout Kansas City. The pressure is on to deliver, but the excitement is just as intense.
Transportation upgrades are also moving full steam ahead. The city’s streetcar extension project is set to open its main street route in October 2025, with the extension to the riverfront expected to be operational by early next year. Port KC officials are confident that the Berkeley Riverfront area—including its parks, trails, and amenities—will be complete and "sparkling" in time for the World Cup. "By World Cup, it's fair to say that the Berkeley Riverfront, the park, the trails, the amenities will be sparkling," said Jon Stephens, president and CEO of Port KC. Years of planning and millions of dollars in investment are finally coming to fruition, with the world’s eyes set to turn toward Kansas City.
"We're building a development of Kansas City for Kansas City, but something that's truly world class," Stephens added, highlighting the city’s ambition to make a lasting impression not just on visitors, but on its own residents as well. This sense of pride and anticipation is mirrored by the KC Current soccer team, whose new training center is on track for completion by December 2025. The facility is expected to provide a boost not only for the team but for the local sports community as a whole.
All these efforts are part of a broader narrative: the United States is preparing to showcase itself as a modern, welcoming, and efficient host. But it’s not all smooth sailing. The interplay between technological innovation, privacy concerns, and political realities means that the run-up to the World Cup is as much about navigating complex social and ethical terrain as it is about pouring concrete and installing new gates.
In the coming months, travelers arriving in the United States will begin to experience the impact of these changes firsthand. The new biometric gates promise shorter wait times and a more streamlined process—provided that travelers are comfortable with the data collection involved. As for Kansas City, residents and visitors alike will watch as the city’s long-term investments are put to the test, with the world as their audience.
With less than a year to go, anticipation is building. Will the infrastructure be ready? Will the privacy concerns be addressed to everyone’s satisfaction? And perhaps most importantly, will the United States be able to balance security with the spirit of international sportsmanship that the World Cup represents?
For now, the construction crews in Kansas City keep working, airport officials monitor their new gates, and fans around the world count down the days. The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a spectacle not just on the pitch, but in every corner of the host nations. The race to be ready is on—and the world is watching.
