It is becoming increasingly important for international soccer fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America to act quickly in securing their U.S. visitor visas.
The U.S. Travel Association has raised concerns over extended visa processing times, which may prevent some fans from attending the event, particularly for those applying from countries with significant delays.
With waits reaching up to 600 days in some regions, the potential for missing the tournament is real for many fans unless they act now.
For soccer fans looking to travel to the U.S., Mexico, or Canada, securing a visa in time for the World Cup is critical. The U.S. Travel Association’s warning highlights the need for prospective travelers to act swiftly to ensure they are not left out.
Geoff Freeman, president of the U.S. Travel Association, emphasized the importance of early applications, stating that those who have not yet started the process might face difficulties attending the 2026 World Cup.
Visa Wait Times a Growing Concern for Soccer Fans
Visa processing times have surged in several countries, creating challenges for soccer fans hoping to attend the FIFA World Cup. According to the U.S.
Travel Association, wait times are as long as 670 days in Colombia, which could mean many Colombian fans might miss out on the action if they delay applying for their U.S. visas. Mexico and India are also experiencing substantial delays, with average wait times of 458 and 404 days, respectively.
These extended processing times pose a significant hurdle for first-time visitors to the United States, particularly for fans who haven’t yet secured their visas.
It is vital for fans to understand that the window to apply is narrowing, especially in countries facing long delays.
U.S. Travel Association’s Warning
Geoff Freeman, the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, expressed urgency regarding the issue, stating, “If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026.” This caution is a wake-up call for soccer fans worldwide, especially in countries with slow processing times.
Despite the concerns raised by Freeman, the U.S. State Department maintains a more optimistic view. The agency has reassured travelers that there is still time to apply for U.S. visas ahead of the tournament.
A spokesperson for the State Department mentioned that the government is continuously assessing capacity and wait times in countries likely to send fans to the 2026 World Cup, and they encourage fans to apply early to avoid disappointment.
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FIFA’s Role in Addressing Visa Delays
FIFA is actively working with the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican governments to ensure that soccer fans requiring visas can obtain them in time for the tournament.
FIFA’s coordination with these governments aims to address visa delays and make it easier for fans to secure travel documents.
This collaboration is essential because the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three countries, making visa access and processing a crucial aspect of fan attendance.
The U.S. Travel Association’s warning serves as a reminder to fans that securing a visa may take more time than anticipated, and early preparation is key.
Current Visa Wait Times in Affected Countries
The average visa processing time in several countries remains a significant obstacle for fans eager to support their teams. According to the U.S. Travel Association:
- Colombia: 670-day wait time
- Mexico: 458-day wait time
- India: 404-day wait time
These extended wait periods could prevent many fans from attending the World Cup unless they act now. It’s important to note that these delays primarily affect first-time U.S. visa applicants, while those holding valid visas should not face such difficulties.
Alternatives for Fans with Visa Issues
For fans who face challenges obtaining U.S. visas in time, Canada and Mexico may offer alternative destinations for catching World Cup action. As co-hosts of the tournament, these countries will also be staging matches, and obtaining a visa for either Canada or Mexico might be a less time-consuming process for some fans.
That said, the U.S. remains a significant destination for the tournament, with a large number of matches scheduled to take place across various American cities. Therefore, early visa applications are essential for fans hoping to attend matches on U.S. soil.
FIFA World Cup 2026: What’s at Stake
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a historic event, with 48 teams competing for the first time in the tournament’s expanded format. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness their teams compete on soccer’s grandest stage.
The tournament will take place from June to July 2026, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly for many matches. For those without valid U.S. tourist visas, the extended wait times pose a significant barrier, underscoring the importance of acting swiftly to secure the necessary travel documents.
Over 30 Million Travelers Hold Valid U.S. Visas
While many first-time visa applicants face long waits, the U.S. State Department has reassured fans that over 30 million people currently hold valid U.S. tourist visas. These travelers will not face the same challenges as first-time applicants and can easily plan their trips to attend the World Cup.
However, for those without a visa, early action is crucial. Fans should not wait until the last minute to apply, as delays in visa processing could mean missing out on the chance to witness history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
