In a press briefing this week, the U.S. Travel Association raised concerns over the narrowing window for soccer fans to secure U.S. visitor visas ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to the association, applicants in countries like Colombia, Mexico, and India are facing daunting wait times of up to hundreds of days for visa interviews. This delay poses a significant obstacle for those eager to attend the globally anticipated tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, emphasized the urgency, stating, "If you don't have your visa today, you're not getting here for a World Cup that's taking place in 2026." He underscored that current visa processing times have surged to as high as 600 days in some regions, severely impacting prospective attendees who wish to support their teams amidst the spirited atmosphere of the event.

Despite these concerns, the U.S. State Department reassures potential visitors that there is still ample time to initiate and complete the visa application process. A spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor and manage visa capacity, particularly in countries expected to participate in the tournament. "While we encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need U.S. visas to apply now, there is still plenty of time for fans to apply for their visas," the spokesperson affirmed.

Currently, applicants in Colombia are experiencing wait times averaging around 670 days, while Mexico and India report waits of 458 and 404 days, respectively, for visa interview appointments. These prolonged timelines increase the risk of missing out on the World Cup experience for many eager fans.

FIFA, in collaboration with the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is actively engaged in ensuring that necessary visa processes are streamlined for international attendees. More than 30 million travelers currently possess valid U.S. tourist visas, providing reassurance that those already approved would not encounter barriers if planning to attend the event.

As preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 intensify, the U.S. Travel Association continues to advocate for reduced visa wait times globally, urging governmental commitments to expedite processing to accommodate the influx of visitors anticipated for this premier sporting spectacle.