The 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing potential disruption following an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump freezing visa applications from 75 countries, including 15 nations that have already qualified for the tournament.
According to an internal memo from the U.S. State Department, consular officers have been instructed to temporarily deny visa applications from the affected countries while the administration undertakes a comprehensive review of its screening and vetting procedures.
Among the countries impacted are Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Colombia, Iran, Jordan, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan. The decision raises concerns about the ability of fans, officials, and support staff from these nations to travel to the United States for the tournament.
The visa freeze could significantly affect match attendance, particularly during the group stages. For instance, Scotland’s Group C fixtures against Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti could see noticeably reduced supporter turnout at venues such as Foxborough and Miami if fans from those countries are unable to secure entry visas.
Critics of the move argue that the policy undermines the inclusive and global nature of the FIFA World Cup and poses a threat to the overall success of the tournament. With the United States serving as a co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, concerns are growing over coordination, logistics, and the potential reputational impact on the competition.
While U.S. authorities have described the measure as temporary, uncertainty remains over how long the review process will last and whether exemptions will be granted for World Cup-related travel.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams and matches spread across North America. Developments surrounding the visa restrictions are expected to attract increased scrutiny from FIFA, participating nations, and football fans worldwide.
