Fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States may face significant challenges due to long visa wait times and stricter regulations. Some travelers, particularly from Brazil, Colombia, Turkey, India, and Peru, face waits of 400 to 700 days for B-1/B-2 tourism visas, making it nearly impossible to secure entry in time.

The U.S. Travel Association warns that President Donald Trump’s recent executive order could worsen delays, as it mandates stricter visa screenings. This could impact tourism, particularly from Central and South America, regions where Trump has previously imposed visa restrictions.

Athletes and officials will likely avoid these issues as they receive P-1 visas, which have shorter processing times. However, for soccer fans worldwide, securing entry into the U.S. could be a major hurdle, threatening attendance at one of the biggest sporting events.