FIFA has issued a statement addressing concerns over U.S. visa policies affecting fans attending the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that match tickets do not guarantee entry to host countries. The Trump administration's recent pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries includes several World Cup participants, though tourist visas remain unaffected for now. Officials urge early applications to navigate potential delays.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11 and concludes on July 19, with 75 percent of matches in 11 U.S. cities. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries starting January 21, 2026, citing risks of applicants becoming a 'public charge' on public resources. This affects nationals from qualified World Cup nations including Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan, as well as playoff contenders like Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Separate full travel bans target Iran and Haiti, while partial bans apply to Senegal and Ivory Coast, based on overstay rates from U.S. visa reports—such as 31.38 percent for Haitians on B-1/B-2 visas and 8.47 percent for Ivorians. These restrictions suspend entry for immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, but exemptions exist for athletes, coaches, and support staff attending major sporting events. Immigrant visa suspensions do not impact non-immigrant tourist or business visas needed by fans, though processing delays and heightened scrutiny could arise as consulates retrain staff.
FIFA's press release highlights record demand, with 15 million daily ticket requests from 211 member nations during the December 11 to January 13 application window, setting a 'new benchmark for demand in the history of world football.' It warns: 'A match ticket does not guarantee admission to a host country, and fans should visit each country's government website today for entry requirements for Canada, Mexico and the United States.' The organization recommends early visa submissions and introduces the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), available soon, to expedite interviews for ticket holders—offering slots within six to eight weeks, though full vetting applies.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed: 'A ticket is not a visa and it doesn’t guarantee admission to the U.S.' FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that 'America will welcome the world,' echoing Trump's 2018 bid assurance of non-discriminatory entry. Concerns persist among fans and advocates, with Amnesty International's Daniel Norona warning of a 'hostile environment' that could dampen the tournament's global spirit. A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed the policy targets only immigrant visas, aiming to secure borders without barring World Cup visitors.
