Football fans hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States are facing long delays in securing U.S. visitor visas, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
The organization warned that in some countries, visa processing times have ballooned to nearly 600 days, potentially preventing supporters from travelling in time for the tournament.
“If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, at a press event.
The U.S. State Department, however, reassured prospective visitors that there is still time to apply for visas. A spokesperson emphasized that the department regularly reviews capacity and wait times in countries expected to participate in the tournament, which will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June to July 2026.
While visa wait times average 260 days, delays are particularly severe in some countries. Colombian travellers are waiting up to 670 days for visa appointments, and applicants from Mexico and India face waits of 458 and 404 days, respectively.
Despite the delays, more than 30 million travellers currently hold valid U.S. visas and will not face issues attending the event. FIFA is also working closely with governments in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to ensure that fans needing visas can obtain them in time.
Prospective attendees are still encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid complications.
