Attending the 2026 World Cup: A Dream Dependent on Unconfirmed Visas for Thousands of Fans
Ivorians, Senegalese, Haitians and their dream of attending their national team's matches in the 2026 World Cup depends on obtaining a visa to travel to the United States, a country that is currently much less willing to welcome tourists from certain nationalities.
TL;DR
- Fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Haiti are experiencing difficulties obtaining U.S. visas for the 2026 World Cup.
- Restrictive U.S. immigration policies, particularly those under the Trump administration, have created visa processing challenges.
- While exceptions exist for players and staff, general tourist visas and entry for fans are a concern.
- Financial requirements such as bank accounts and flight reservations are significant barriers for many fans.
- Concerns about the presence and actions of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) at stadiums add to fan anxiety.
- Haiti faces a suspension of visa issuance, further complicating travel for its fans.
- Despite organizational efforts by some governments, the visa process and security measures pose risks to the fan experience.