The United States has released comprehensive travel and visa guidelines for international football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. The tournament, featuring 48 national teams, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across several major cities on the continent. Spanning an entire continent, the event is expected to draw massive global crowds to stadiums in 11 major United States cities, two Canadian cities, and three Mexican cities. Key host locations include Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, and Mexico City, with the final match taking place in the New York and New Jersey venue.
Nigeria will not participate in the competition after losing out to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the qualification round. Furthermore, a check on the United States Department of State website indicates that Nigerian nationals are currently subject to limited entry under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which has been in effect since January 1, 2026. While the Federal Government previously announced diplomatic engagements to seek a removal from these restrictions, there has been no visible change in the policy status as of Thursday. Sports writers and fans from Nigeria may still apply for visas under specific conditions, though issuance or admission is not guaranteed.
The United States authorities stated that all visitors traveling to the country must possess passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, unless they are citizens of exempt nations. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require additional authorization to seek entry as tourists. Travelers from the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Programme are expected to apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. All other international fans from countries outside these categories must obtain a valid B1/B2 visitor visa to be part of the global spectacle.
To streamline the process, the Department of State introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System for those who purchase tickets directly from the football governing body. This system allows eligible ticket holders who opt in to secure interview appointments for a visitor visa before the tournament begins. The process involves logging into a FIFA account, completing the DS-160 visa application form, paying the required fees, and selecting the appropriate country of residence for the application. If the details provided match the visa application, the applicant gains access to a priority appointment.
The United States authorities emphasized that scheduling an appointment through this system does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. All ticket holders are required to undergo thorough screening and must demonstrate that they qualify for a visa under national security and public safety standards. United States President Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe."
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