Could Visa Woes Lead To Missing Out On 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The timeline to attain a visitor's visa for entering the United States to experience the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026 is closing for football enthusiasts, according to a US Travel Association statement, however the federal government says traveller's still have a breather before the deadline.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potential attendees face daunting visa processing times that could hinder their plans. The US Travel Association warns that while the excitement is palpable, the timeline for securing a visitor’s visa is tightening, particularly for fans from certain countries.

Why could the US Visa pose as an issue for football fans?

Processing times have soared to 600 days in some regions, making it increasingly difficult for football enthusiasts eager to cheer on one of the 48 teams set to compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, emphasized the urgency, stating, “If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026.”

However, the US State Department offers a more optimistic perspective. They assert that the situation is manageable, regularly evaluating processing capacity and wait times. “While we encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who need US visas to apply now, there is still plenty of time for fans to apply for their visas,” a spokesperson stated.

Currently, applicants are experiencing an average wait of 260 days for initial visa interviews, with some countries facing even longer delays. For example, in Colombia, the wait can extend to about 670 days, effectively ruling out attendance for those fans. Meanwhile, Mexican applicants face an average of 458 days, and travelers from India are waiting up to 404 days.

With the tournament set to kick off in June 2026, it’s crucial for prospective visitors to act swiftly. Planning ahead could be the key to enjoying this monumental event without the stress of visa complications.