The stars have aligned for America's 250th birthday to coincide with one of the world's largest, most highly-attended sporting events. That alignment was highly influenced by the efforts of President Donald Trump during his first term in his efforts to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States. 

As America prepares for events commemorating 250 years since the July 4, 1776, signing of the Declaration of Independence, cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami and Atlanta will serve as host cities for World Cup games and events.

This means that, as the country puts on its finest displays of American dominance, pride and history, an estimated 1.2 million international visitors will witness it, in addition to the millions of Americans who will likely attend America250 events.

These visitors are expected to stay an average of 12 days, attend about two matches each, and spend over $400 per day, contributing significantly to tourism recovery after a slower 2025.

Many events in D.C, historic sites around U.S.

Washington, D.C., will host several landmark events throughout 2026 and beyond. The highlight is the Salute to America 250 on July 4, featuring a grand military parade, a fireworks spectacular, and vibrant cultural showcases along the National Mall. 

Visitors can also immerse themselves in history at the National Archives Exhibition "Free and Independent," running through 2027, which explores the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence alongside the original document on permanent display, highlighting past anniversaries and its influence on culture, art, and society. Complementing this, the National Gallery of Art will present Semiquincentennial Exhibitions throughout 2026, showcasing 250 years of American creativity from across the nation.

Outside the nation's capitol, iconic and historic sites across the country will also host commemorative events. In South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore Fireworks on July 3 promise a breathtaking display at this national landmark. 

New Jersey's Battle of Princeton Reenactment on January 4 offers a dramatic step back into Revolutionary War history, while Indiana's Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous on May 23 and 24 stands as the Midwest’s premier Revolutionary War reenactment. Adding a modern twist, Colorado's Stories in the Sky Drone Shows will provide audiences with high-tech, choreographed light displays from September 2025 through December 2026.

Additional tributes to American innovation, culture, and spectacle round out the nationwide festivities. Michigan's Henry Ford Museum Celebration, spanning March 21 through January 18, 2027, provides a yearlong exploration of American ingenuity. Music and literature converge in the Copland & Twain Concert at the Milwaukee Symphony Center from May 8-10, blending classic American compositions with literary heritage. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup

In an unprecedented setting, a UFC Championship Event on June 14 will bring a historic sports spectacle to the White House Lawn.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to feature an expanded field of 48 teams, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The United States will host the majority of matches across 11 cities. This marks the second time the U.S. has hosted the men's tournament, following 1994.

During his first term, Trump provided key support for the successful 2026 bid by helping secure international votes, and Trump publicly took credit for the win after the bid defeated Morocco's in 2018.

At a time when recent polling data indicates that American patriotism is decreasing, the America250 celebrations could be just what the doctor ordered to revitalize national pride. A record-low 58% of U.S. adults reported they are extremely or very proud to be American in a June 2025 Gallup survey, down from 67% in 2020 and showing sharp generational declines, particularly among Gen Z.

A YouGov poll from the same period found similar results, exacerbated by partisan divides where only 36% of Democrats express high levels of national pride compared to much higher rates among Republicans at 56%.

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016 to plan and coordinate the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, working in partnership with its nonprofit supporting organization America250.org, Inc. 

The Commission, chaired by former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios and composed of members appointed by bipartisan congressional leadership (including 16 private citizens, 8 members of Congress, and ex officio federal officials), features honorary national co-chairs former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with former First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama.