The FIFA World Cup 26™ (“the 2026 World Cup”) will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 national teams. The Department of State (DOS) is prioritizing visa processing for the World Cup-related travelers. However, many of those affected by the recent series of U.S. travel restrictions will not be able to benefit from these priorities. Details regarding the visa and travel restrictions are discussed in our January 2026 Immigration Monthly Update.
Athletes, Coaches, and Support Personnel – The Presidential Proclamation exempted athletes, coaches, and necessary support personnel and immediate relatives participating in the World Cup from the restrictions.
Volunteers – In December 2025, DOS updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) to specifically provide a clear legal path for FIFA-accredited volunteers supporting the 2026 World Cup in the United States to seek B-1 visa. Volunteers who do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program will need to apply for a visa under B-1 classification.
Fans – DOS established the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), which allows ticket holders who purchased their ticket directly from FIFA to attend visa interviews before the tournament begins.
Impact of Travel Ban – Five countries with participating national teams are subject to either partial or full travel bans for nonimmigrant travel – Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal. DOS clarified that a FIFA PASS appointment does not create an exception to the travel restrictions for fans or spectators, regardless of FIFA PASS eligibility.
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