Concerns have been raised about visa wait times for the 2026 men’s World Cup in the United States. The wait times for visa interviews in Mexican cities are already over 800 days, causing fears that supporters may be deterred from attending the tournament. The U.S. Department of State is working to reduce wait times but is encouraging affected countries to start applying for visas early. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations and will be held in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
With the absence of a local organizing committee, FIFA is responsible for pulling everything together for the 2026 World Cup across three nations and 16 host cities. The host countries have differing entry criteria for visitors, which may create visa confusion for fans. Host cities, including New York/New Jersey, are concerned about the potential impact on tourism income during the tournament. The cities are currently allowing FIFA and the travel industry to lead conversations with the government.
FIFA, along with U.S. travel industry representatives, have raised concerns with the U.S. Department of State and the White House regarding visa delays for the World Cup. The organization is working closely with the U.S. Government to address critical topics such as immigration and visas. The visa delays were discussed in a meeting at the White House, with senior administration officials acknowledging the significance of the 2026 World Cup and committing to streamline aspects of the travel experience for the anticipated visitors.
Several countries are facing lengthy wait times for visa interviews, including Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, and Morocco. These delays may impact fans’ ability to attend the World Cup, especially if they wait until their nations have secured qualification to organize their trip. The U.S. Department of State encourages prospective visitors to apply for visas early, even before purchasing event tickets or making travel arrangements.
The U.S. travel industry attributes the current visa delays to the shutdown of consular offices during the pandemic and long-standing issues. While there is $50 million allocated to reduce visa wait times, it is unclear how and where the money will be invested. Visa issues have caused delays at previous international sporting events in the U.S., highlighting the need for streamlined processes for athletes and fans attending major tournaments.
Efforts are being made to expedite visa processing for playing rosters and support staff from federations to ensure their timely arrival for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. Department of State acknowledges the challenges faced by consular officers but aims to facilitate secure travel while maintaining high national security standards. With no sports ministry in the U.S. to facilitate discussions, there are calls for the appointment of a special envoy to coordinate conversations surrounding the World Cup and future sporting events.
