Questions Rise Over Visas and Security before FIFA’s 2026 World Cup

Donald Trump’s brutal immigration crackdown, polarized politics and a war unleashed on Iran have tarnished the global image of the United States just under 100 days before millions of fans are expected to visit for the World Cup. This summer’s unprecedented 48-team World Cup with 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico had been …

Drone Video Captures Massive Dolphin Pod Moving Past Drake Bay in Costa Rica

A drone video showing a massive pod of dolphins moving just offshore of Bahía Drake on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to a spectacle that marine experts say is common in the country’s South Pacific waters. The footage was posted last week by the Instagram account Deep Blue …

Alcaraz Chases Indian Wells Three Peat as Sinner and Djokovic Loom

Carlos Alcaraz’s unbeaten start to 2026 now heads to Indian Wells, where he will chase a third straight title in the California desert while Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic loom as the biggest threats in the season’s first Masters 1000. Starting Wednesday, the Spanish world number one will try to become a three-time champion at …

Costa Rica Caribbean Community Pushes Sustainable Sportfishing to Protect Jobs and Wildlife

Barra del Colorado’s tourism-fishing sector held a community training session aimed at tightening standards for sportfishing and protecting the fishery that sustains much of the local economy. The workshop brought together anglers, boat captains, and tourism operators for a hands-on review of practices designed to increase post-release survival and reduce stress on target species. The …

Syrian Smuggler Extradited from Costa Rica to Face U.S. Charges

Costa Rica authorities handed over a Syrian national to the United States after his arrest last year on charges of running a human smuggling operation. The man, known by the last name Maklad, led a group that moved migrants from Egypt, Venezuela, and Guatemala through New Mexico between 2022 and 2025, according to Osvaldo Ramírez, …

Nosara Landowners Build Costa Rica’s First Voluntary Biological Corridor

Private landowners in Nosara have begun to register ecological easements that form the country’s first biological corridor created solely through voluntary conservation agreements. The Nosara Civic Association coordinates the initiative with the National System of Conservation Areas. The project runs under the Regional Program of Biological Corridors of the Tempisque Conservation Area. Landowners sign agreements …

New York marks 100-day countdown to 2026 World Cup with Empire State lighting

New York’s Empire State Building was illuminated in the colors of the flags of 2026 World Cup hosts Mexico, Canada and the United States Tuesday as organizers marked 100 days until kick-off. Organizers were joined by the tournament’s three mascots, Canada’s Maple the moose, Mexico’s Zayu the jaguar and Clutch the American bald eagle for …

JetBlue Sale Has Cheap Fares and Hotel Bundles for Spring Trips to Costa Rica

JetBlue has started a limited-time sale that cuts costs for travelers heading to Costa Rica this spring. The airline targets U.S. departures with one-way tickets starting below $140 to both San José and Liberia airports. This move comes as demand picks up for seasonal getaways. The promotion covers travel from April 14 to June 10. …

How the 2026 San José Marathon Affects Visitor Travel in Costa Rica

Organizers expect 5,000 runners from Costa Rica and abroad to hit the streets for the BCR San José Marathon on June 7. The event starts at 5 a.m. from Central Park and covers distances of 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K, drawing athletes who train for months to compete in the capital’s urban course. Runners will …

Dubai ATP Fallout Players Stuck After Iran Strikes Ground Flights Across the Gulf

A group of ATP players and staff were left stranded in Dubai this week after regional airspace closures and flight cancellations followed Iran’s missile and drone strikes tied to the escalating U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. The disruption hit just as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ended, turning what is normally a quick transition from …