The US Travel Association has issued a strong warning for international football fans hoping to attend the FIFA World Cup in 2026: the window to obtain a first-time visitor visa is quickly narrowing. During a recent press event, Geoff Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the association, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for the World Cup that’s taking place in 2026,” Freeman stated. He noted that first-time visitor visa applicants are currently waiting an average of 260 days just for an interview appointment.
This significant delay has raised concerns about whether many fans will be able to obtain their visas in time for the global event. However, the federal government has responded by saying it is actively working to assess visa capacity and wait times in countries likely to participate in the tournament.
In a statement to Reuters, a spokesperson from the State Department acknowledged the long wait times but reassured fans that there is still a window of opportunity. “While we encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need US visas to apply now, there is still plenty of time for fans to apply for their visas,” the spokesperson said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19. The tournament will open with a match in New Jersey, promising a monumental event for football enthusiasts worldwide.
For those planning to attend, the message is clear: act now to secure your visa before it’s too late.