U.S. welcomes soccer fans for FIFA World Cup 2026™

[Deeq A.]

 

By ShareAmerica

January 23, 2026

 

The United States is gearing up to host the largest FIFA World Cup in history and is rolling out the welcome mat for soccer fans from around the globe. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities — 11 of which are in the United States — the 2026 tournament promises to be a celebration of sport, culture and American hospitality.

U.S. defender Tim Ream signs a fan’s jersey after a match between the U.S. and Uruguay November 18, 2025, in Florida. (© Howard Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

The United States is ready to welcome visitors from around the world. As President Trump promised, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and every part of the U.S. government are working to ensure that these events are safe and successful and that those visitors traveling to America to watch the competition will have a seamless experience during every part of their visit.

Hundreds of millions of international fans from Canada and the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to travel to the United States visa-free. An additional 55 million foreigners currently hold a U.S. visitor visa with which they could travel for FIFA World Cup events. And the United States is well prepared to process visa applications for those fans who need visas. At the same time, U.S. officials are keeping America and the tournament safe by ensuring every prospective traveler to the United States undergoes extensive security vetting.

Shorter visa wait-times

For those international fans who need a U.S. visa, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide are making more than 2 million additional visa interview appointments available. Hundreds of additional staff have been deployed worldwide to meet demand, and thanks to these efforts, visa wait times have dropped dramatically. For example, fans in Brazil and Argentina who once faced yearlong waits can now schedule interviews in under 60 days. The same is true in over 80% of the world.

This effort reflects America’s dedication to welcoming visitors while maintaining the highest standards of security. Every visa applicant will undergo thorough vetting, ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens and all World Cup events and spectators, as well as the integrity of U.S. borders. Fans should apply now at FIFA World Cup 2026™ – United States Department of State .

FIFA PASS

To give every single person who buys a ticket directly from FIFA and opts in for the chance for a visa interview, the Trump administration is offering something really special — the FIFA priority appointment scheduling system (FIFA PASS).

FIFA PASS will allow ticket holders to access prioritized appointments so that they can schedule visa interviews before the World Cup begins. Then the applicants must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow U.S. laws and leave at the end of the tournament. America’s safety and the security of its borders will ALWAYS come first.

USA’s Maximilian Arfsten dribbles the ball from Paraguay’s Diego Gonzalez during an international friendly in Chester, Pennsylvania. (© Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)

A global celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026™ is more than a sporting event — it’s a chance to showcase the best of America. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, the tournament will bring together millions of fans, generate billions of dollars in economic activity and create 185,000 full-time jobs across the country, according to a FIFA and World Trade Organization study . From the vibrant streets of Los Angeles to the iconic skyline of New York, fans will experience the thrill of world-class soccer and the warmth of American hospitality.

Don’t wait — apply now!

If you’re planning to attend FIFA World Cup 2026™ and need a U.S. visa, now is the time to act. Visit the State Department’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ website  to get started. The United States is ready to welcome you and make the tournament the greatest international sporting event in history.

 

 American sports, soccer, sports, visas

 About America, RSS: Feature, Source: Department, Travel to the U.S., Type: Text

 

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