Visa ban: 15 qualified countries set to miss World Cup

Nothing less than 15 countries that have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could face major obstacles in attending the tournament following the United States State Department's decision to suspend visa applications from 75 countries.

The move, outlined in an internal memo circulated on Wednesday, is part of a broader review of immigration vetting procedures. The freeze is scheduled to take effect on January 21 and could complicate travel plans for fans hoping to attend matches hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

According to the memo, consular officers have been instructed to assess visa applicants more rigorously, taking into account factors such as age, health status, English-language ability, and the likelihood that an individual may require public assistance after entering the United States.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement.

While the policy targets immigration concerns, critics argue it may have unintended consequences for international sporting events that rely heavily on global fan participation.

The visa freeze could directly affect the atmosphere and attendance at several World Cup fixtures, particularly those hosted in the United States.

Scotland’s Group C has drawn particular attention, as three of its opponents, Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti are among the nations reportedly impacted by the restrictions.

Key matches scheduled in Foxborough against Haiti and Morocco, as well as a high-profile fixture in Miami against Brazil, could see lower turnout if supporters from those countries are unable to secure visas.

The list of affected countries reportedly includes multiple teams from Africa, the Middle East, and South America that have qualified for the tournament.

They are Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, and Jordan.

Others include, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan.

With fans from these regions potentially facing visa barriers, questions are growing about how inclusive the 2026 World Cup will be for international supporters.

As of now, FIFA has not issued an official statement addressing how it plans to respond to the situation or whether accommodations will be made for affected fan groups.