U.S. Visa Processing Delays Threaten 2026 FIFA World Cup Plans for International Fans
Football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States are facing an unexpected challenge: long visa processing delays. According to the U.S. Travel Association, delays in securing U.S. visitor visas have escalated to alarming levels, with processing times reaching up to 600 days in some countries. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the association, issued a warning, stating, “If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026.”
While the U.S. State Department has reassured potential visitors that time remains to apply for visas, it acknowledged that wait times have become increasingly problematic. The average processing time now stands at 260 days, but certain countries are experiencing far worse delays. For example, travelers from Colombia are facing a staggering 670-day wait, while those from Mexico and India are encountering delays of 458 and 404 days, respectively.
Fortunately, over 30 million people currently hold valid U.S. visas and won’t face these issues. FIFA is also coordinating with governments in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to ensure that all fans who need visas can obtain them in time for the tournament. However, prospective World Cup attendees are being urged to apply for visas as early as possible to avoid any disruptions.