The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching at a time when US immigration and security policies are changing rapidly. A series of executive actions, expanded travel bans and stricter visa controls are reshaping entry rules for foreign nationals. While many of these measures focus on long-term immigration, several directly affect short-term visitors, including football fans planning to attend World Cup matches in the United States.
Understanding visa options, timelines and restrictions early is essential for anyone considering travel for the tournament.
Some travelers may not need a visa to attend the World Cup. Nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism using an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
Eligibility under the program can change, so travelers should verify whether their nationality qualifies before making travel plans. ESTA approval does not guarantee entry, but it remains the fastest option for eligible fans.
Many fans will still need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. While immigration policies continue to evolve, one challenge has remained consistent: visa appointment wait times.
Depending on the US consulate, appointment availability can range from a few days to more than a year. In some cases, additional security or administrative processing may further delay visa issuance. Fans who require a visitor visa should plan well in advance to avoid missing the tournament.
The US Department of State has introduced FIFA PASS, a priority scheduling option for individuals who purchased World Cup tickets directly through the official FIFA ticketing platform.
FIFA PASS is intended to improve access to visa appointment slots for eligible ticket holders. However, it does not change visa eligibility rules, waive fees or exempt applicants from travel restrictions or additional processing requirements.
Fans who purchased tickets through third-party sellers or unofficial platforms may not qualify for FIFA PASS, as participation requires opting in through the official ticketing system.
As of January 1, 2026, the United States expanded visa restrictions from 19 to 39 countries. These restrictions vary in scope, but most affected countries face suspension of B1/B2 visitor visa issuance, which is required for World Cup attendance.
Nationals of the following countries are subject to full visa suspension and generally cannot obtain visitor visas unless they hold dual nationality with a non-restricted country:
Afghanistan
Burkina Faso
Burma
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Laos
Libya
Mali
Niger
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
The suspension also applies to individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
Citizens of the following countries face partial restrictions that prohibit issuance of B1/B2 visitor visas unless they hold alternate citizenship:
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Benin
Burundi
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Dominica
Gabon
The Gambia
Malawi
Mauritania
Nigeria
Senegal
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Some countries that have qualified for the World Cup are impacted by current visa restrictions, including:
Haiti
Iran
Senegal
Ivory Coast
While exemptions have been granted for team officials, players and support staff, these exemptions do not extend to fans or general visitors from those countries.
The US has expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program, which may apply to certain B1/B2 visa applicants. Under this program, consular officers may require applicants to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance.
The bond is designed to encourage compliance with visa terms and timely departure from the United States. Travelers who depart within their authorized stay will receive a full refund.
Applicants do not need to prepare for the bond in advance. If required, payment instructions will be provided after the visa interview. The bond may be paid by the applicant or by another party such as a family member, friend or employer.
Pros
Cons
Understanding visa options, timelines and restrictions early is essential for anyone considering travel for the tournament.
Visa Waiver and ESTA Eligibility
Some travelers may not need a visa to attend the World Cup. Nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism using an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
Eligibility under the program can change, so travelers should verify whether their nationality qualifies before making travel plans. ESTA approval does not guarantee entry, but it remains the fastest option for eligible fans.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa Timing Remains Critical
Many fans will still need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. While immigration policies continue to evolve, one challenge has remained consistent: visa appointment wait times.
Depending on the US consulate, appointment availability can range from a few days to more than a year. In some cases, additional security or administrative processing may further delay visa issuance. Fans who require a visitor visa should plan well in advance to avoid missing the tournament.
FIFA PASS and What It Really Means
The US Department of State has introduced FIFA PASS, a priority scheduling option for individuals who purchased World Cup tickets directly through the official FIFA ticketing platform.
FIFA PASS is intended to improve access to visa appointment slots for eligible ticket holders. However, it does not change visa eligibility rules, waive fees or exempt applicants from travel restrictions or additional processing requirements.
Fans who purchased tickets through third-party sellers or unofficial platforms may not qualify for FIFA PASS, as participation requires opting in through the official ticketing system.
Travel Bans and Who May Be Unable to Attend
As of January 1, 2026, the United States expanded visa restrictions from 19 to 39 countries. These restrictions vary in scope, but most affected countries face suspension of B1/B2 visitor visa issuance, which is required for World Cup attendance.
Countries Under Full Visa Suspension
Nationals of the following countries are subject to full visa suspension and generally cannot obtain visitor visas unless they hold dual nationality with a non-restricted country:
Afghanistan
Burkina Faso
Burma
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Laos
Libya
Mali
Niger
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
The suspension also applies to individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
Countries Under Partial Visa Suspension
Citizens of the following countries face partial restrictions that prohibit issuance of B1/B2 visitor visas unless they hold alternate citizenship:
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Benin
Burundi
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Dominica
Gabon
The Gambia
Malawi
Mauritania
Nigeria
Senegal
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe
World Cup Qualified Teams Affected by Restrictions
Some countries that have qualified for the World Cup are impacted by current visa restrictions, including:
Haiti
Iran
Senegal
Ivory Coast
While exemptions have been granted for team officials, players and support staff, these exemptions do not extend to fans or general visitors from those countries.
Visa Bonds and Additional Financial Requirements
The US has expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program, which may apply to certain B1/B2 visa applicants. Under this program, consular officers may require applicants to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance.
The bond is designed to encourage compliance with visa terms and timely departure from the United States. Travelers who depart within their authorized stay will receive a full refund.
Applicants do not need to prepare for the bond in advance. If required, payment instructions will be provided after the visa interview. The bond may be paid by the applicant or by another party such as a family member, friend or employer.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Visa Waiver and ESTA provide a fast option for eligible travelers
- FIFA PASS may improve access to visa appointments for ticket holders
- Visa bonds are refundable if visa conditions are met
- Clear rules help travelers plan more effectively
Cons
- Long visa appointment wait times remain a major challenge
- Travel bans prevent fans from certain countries from attending
- FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval
- Visa bonds create additional financial burden for some applicants