The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the first edition hosted across three countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—yet fans worldwide are already grappling with a key challenge: securing a U.S. visa in time for kickoff.
The tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026, will see the U.S. host 78 of the 104 matches, including the final, in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Seattle. With millions of international supporters preparing to travel, the availability and speed of U.S. tourist visas are drawing scrutiny.
Updated wait time data released by the U.S. Department of State highlights sharp differences across countries. While some applicants may secure a B1/B2 tourist visa within three months, others face delays of up to 10 months, threatening their chances of attending.
Adding to the complexity, a new visa bond policy takes effect on August 20, 2025, requiring travelers from Malawi and Zambia to pay up to $15,000 as part of a pilot program.
What Visa Do Fans Need?
Most spectators heading to the U.S. will require a B1/B2 visa, which allows stays of up to six months for tourism, sporting events, and family visits. However, citizens of 42 nations in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program—including most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia—may enter without a visa for up to 90 days, provided they register through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Countries with Faster Visa Processing
Current wait times (as of August 2025) suggest fans from the following countries may be able to secure visas before the tournament if they apply promptly:
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Algeria – 4.5 months
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Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Egypt, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Oman, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, UAE, Uruguay, Uzbekistan – under 3 months
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Ecuador (Guayaquil) – 7.5 months
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Morocco – 6 months
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Mexico (Mexicali, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo) – under 3 months
Countries with Longest Wait Times
Fans from the following countries face significantly longer delays, with appointments unlikely before the World Cup unless additional slots are opened:
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Ecuador (Quito) – 9 months
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Ghana – 9.5 months
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Mexico (Matamoros, Mexico City) – 8.5 months
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Mexico (Monterrey) – 10 months
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Nigeria (Abuja) – 9.5 months
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Peru – 8 months
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With the countdown to kickoff already underway, the wide variance in visa wait times may ultimately determine which nations see the strongest fan representation in stadiums across North America.
