Travelling To The US For FIFA 2026? Beware Of Potential Visa Delays

Football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the return of the prestigious international football competition, FIFA in 2026. This edition will be historic as it will be hosted across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and will feature an expanded roster of 48 teams. The tournament's culmination will be the Finals scheduled for 19 July, 2026. If you're interested in attending some matches, here's some news you may want to know. The US Travel Association has cautioned that there is a limited window of time for football enthusiasts from some countries to submit applications for a first-time US visitor visa, specifically for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Time Running Out

The association has underscored that in some countries, the processing times for US visitor visas have escalated to 600 days, presenting a formidable obstacle for fans keen to rally behind one of the 48 participating teams in this eagerly awaited global sporting extravaganza. Geoff Freeman, the president and chief executive of the non-profit US Travel Association, was recently quoted as saying that if you don't have your visa today, you won't be getting here for a World Cup in 2026.

However, the US State Department has offered some reassurance, stating that it regularly evaluates capacity and wait times in countries expected to participate in the tournament, which is set to take place from June to July 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A State Department spokesperson said in a statement, "While we encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need U.S. visas to apply now, there is still plenty of time for fans to apply for their visas."

The Waiting Period

The processing times for first-time visitor visa appointments are significantly delayed, with an average waiting period of 260 days. The situation is even more severe in Colombia, where the average wait time has reached 670 days, posing a risk of visitors missing their intended events. Similarly, in Mexico, the average wait time is 458 days, while travellers from India encounter waits of up to 404 days for an interview.

The State Department has confirmed that over 30 million travellers possess valid US tourist visas and would be eligible to attend the event. Furthermore, a spokesperson from FIFA has indicated that FIFA is working with the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States to streamline the visa application process for those who require it. If you are considering travelling to the US to attend FIFA matches, it is important not to procrastinate when applying for your visa. It is crucial to ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted promptly and that the information provided is accurate.

(With inputs from multiple news reports)