As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, excitement is building across the globe, but concerns are mounting over potential obstacles to attendance: visa delays. The U.S. Travel Association has sounded the alarm, highlighting the lengthy wait times for foreign visitors to secure visas, warning that this could significantly impact attendance at the tournament, which will take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
For European travelers, the visa situation is particularly pressing. First-time visitor visa applicants to the United States face an average wait of 260 days. The situation is even more dire for Colombian applicants, who currently face a staggering wait of 670 days, potentially preventing them from attending the tournament entirely. Other countries are also facing lengthy processing times, with Mexican applicants waiting an average of 458 days and Indian travelers facing delays of up to 404 days for their interviews.
These extended processing times could act as a major deterrent for soccer fans, discouraging them from planning their journeys. This would not only diminish the vibrant atmosphere of the World Cup but also threaten the anticipated tourism revenue, estimated to be in the billions, that the event is expected to generate for host cities.
Adding to the complexity, recent policy changes have further complicated matters for travelers who previously enjoyed visa exemptions. Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), travelers from European nations who have visited Cuba since January 12, 2021, are now required to apply for a visa and are ineligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This change, following the U.S. designation of Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism,” creates additional hurdles for fans eager to witness the World Cup.
Securing an interview for a B1 or B2 non-immigrant visa in several European nations can take over 100 days. With less than two years until the event kicks off, the U.S. needs to address these visa challenges urgently to ensure a smooth experience for the millions of visitors anticipated. Failure to do so could not only negatively impact the World Cup’s success but also damage America’s reputation as a welcoming destination for global events.
