Growing concerns are emerging ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to expanded U.S. visa suspensions and stricter immigration controls. While FIFA has received assurances that players, coaches, match officials, and accredited team personnel will receive special exemptions, the broader impact on supporters, journalists, and non-official delegations remains uncertain.

With the United States hosting the majority of matches, visa accessibility is becoming a critical factor that could influence attendance, atmosphere, and inclusivity at the tournament.

Freeze on Visa Applications from 75 Countries

These anxieties stem from an internal U.S. State Department memo implementing a freeze on visa applications from 75 countries, effective January 21.

The initiative is part of a review of screening and vetting procedures, requiring consular officers to assess applicants based on age, health, English proficiency, and the likelihood of becoming a ‘public charge’ by relying on public benefits. Spokesperson Tommy Piggott explained that the Department “will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.”

Global Implications for Teams and Supporters

Qualified nations impacted by the freeze include Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan. African teams like Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, and Tunisia risk reduced supporter turnout, while South American powerhouses such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia face similar challenges for fans outside official delegations.

First-time qualifiers Uzbekistan and Cape Verde, alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Iran, confront particularly strict barriers. These restrictions threaten to dampen the celebratory atmosphere traditionally associated with the World Cup and limit the global participation that makes the tournament a unifying sporting spectacle.