FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the largest and most inclusive tournament in football history. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it promises to attract around six million fans from across Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and other parts of the globe. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called it the greatest spectacle of celebration and inclusivity and the biggest and best FIFA World Cup ever.

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However, as the countdown to the World Cup continues, concerns about USA visa restrictions are growing. Fans, organizers, and stakeholders worry that strict immigration policies and lengthy visa wait times could prevent many supporters from attending. Despite 17 months remaining before kickoff, these issues threaten to undermine FIFA’s vision of an inclusive tournament.

A significant challenge for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the visa process for fans traveling to the United States. Supporters from non-European countries, particularly those from Latin America and Africa, will face hurdles in securing visas. According to January 2025 estimates, wait times for visa interviews in countries like Colombia, Nigeria, and India stretch beyond 300 days.

This lengthy process could discourage many fans who wish to attend the Football World Cup 2026. The USA Department of State has pledged to reduce visa wait times, but no special arrangements have been made for soccer fans. In previous World Cups, hosts like Russia and Qatar created systems to expedite visa approvals for ticket holders.

World Cup Tickets: How Visa Rules Could Impact Attendance

In contrast, the USA government has no such plans for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Without a streamlined process, many fans might face difficulties in obtaining visas, potentially missing out on this historic football event. Experts believe that the USA visa application process is one of the main reasons fans might struggle to attend the World Cup.

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To apply for a B visitor visa, fans must complete the DS-160 form, which requires detailed personal information, including education, work history, and travel plans. The process, which is entirely in English, also includes submitting fingerprints, attending an in-person interview, and paying a $185 fee. This rigorous procedure is designed to ensure that applicants have no intention of staying in the USA permanently.

In addition to the lengthy process, the USA has strict criteria for visa approvals. Applicants must prove strong ties to their home country, stable income, and a clean record. Those without a history of international travel or evidence of returning home may find it difficult to secure a visa. These requirements disproportionately affect fans from non-European countries, making it harder for them to participate in the Football World Cup 2026 festivities.

FIFA World Cup Tickets: Visa Waiver Program Benefits Some Fans

Some countries, however, are exempt from these challenges. Citizens of 43 nations, including most of Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. These fans can travel to the USA with electronic authorization, bypassing the complex visa process. Unfortunately, fans from countries outside this program must navigate the time-consuming application procedure, with wait times varying by location.

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For example, fans in Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia face shorter wait times of under 50 days. But in countries like Colombia, the wait stretches to 700 days. In Turkey, it’s 560 days, while other nations like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Morocco face waits exceeding 200 days. In some countries, such as Venezuela and Iran, where USA embassies are not operational, fans must travel abroad for visa applications, adding to the difficulty.

These long wait times could prevent thousands of fans from attending the FIFA World Cup 2026. Many fans will likely wait until their favorite teams qualify or tickets become available before applying for visas. Most teams will secure their spots in the fall of 2025, and tickets will go on sale around the same time. This timeline means a surge in visa applications is expected between late 2025 and early 2026, adding pressure to an already overburdened system.

FIFA 2026 Tickets: Expert Advice on Navigating the USA Visa Process

The State Department has advised fans to apply for visas early. Julie Stufft, the department’s deputy assistant secretary for visa services, has urged fans to begin the process as soon as possible. FIFA has also encouraged fans to apply early, emphasizing that tickets are not required to start the visa process. Despite this advice, many fans are hesitant to spend $185 on a visa application without a guarantee of attending the event or securing a ticket.

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The USA government faces a significant challenge in meeting the demand for visas ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Experts predict that wait times may increase further, especially under potential policy changes by incoming President Donald Trump. Trump has expressed a strong stance on immigration, which could result in tighter restrictions. While the World Cup could serve as a diplomatic opportunity, prioritizing soccer fans in visa processing is unlikely to be a top priority.

Travis Murphy, a former State Department officer and now CEO of Jetr Global, a sports immigration consultancy, has voiced concerns about the visa process. He noted the difficulty in distinguishing between fans attending the World Cup and other visa applicants. Without specific measures to fast-track applications for football fans, the lengthy process is expected to persist, potentially excluding thousands of supporters from the event.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Expanded Format Brings New Opportunities and Barriers

The visa challenges for the FIFA World Cup 2026 also highlight broader issues with USA immigration policies. The USA welcomes millions of visitors annually but maintains strict requirements to ensure that travelers return to their home countries. This approach contrasts with the inclusivity and celebration that FIFA envisions for its World Cups.

Despite these challenges, the Football World Cup 2026 remains a highly anticipated event. It will feature 104 matches, with 78 hosted across 16 cities in the United States. This expanded format, including 48 teams, is designed to make the tournament more inclusive and exciting. However, the success of the event depends on addressing the concerns of fans who face barriers to participation.

The visa process is particularly burdensome for fans from Latin America and Africa, regions with a passionate football following. Many of these supporters view the World Cup as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate their love for the sport. Ensuring their participation is crucial to fulfilling FIFA’s promise of a global and inclusive event.

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