FIFA World Cup Tickets: Shivanshu Vyas has long dreamed of attending the Football World Cup in the U.S., eagerly anticipating this moment since 2018 when he watched his beloved Manchester United play at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. For the 32-year-old, stepping into that vast American stadium was a surreal experience. As soon as I saw the green pitch, it gave me goosebumps, and I was a bit teary-eyed, not going to lie, he recalls with a laugh.
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However, one significant obstacle could hinder his dream: securing a visa in time. This test is likely to mark many fans worldwide who are excited to go to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be one of the largest global sporting events, second only to the upcoming Paris Olympics.
However, obtaining a U.S. visa is notoriously difficult, and the current backlog in the immigration system could prevent many fans from securing their visas in time for the Football World Cup 2026, which is less than two years away. In some locations, the wait time for a visa interview is alarmingly high. For instance, in New Delhi, it can take up to 386 days, while in Bogota, Colombia, the wait is even longer, stretching up to 677 days.
FIFA 2026 World Cup Tickets: U.S. Senators Push for Faster Visa Processing
These delays are particularly concerning given that there are only 664 days left before FIFA 2026 kicks off, raising serious concerns among soccer fans and lawmakers alike. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, a bipartisan group of 21 U.S. senators, led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Jerry Moran, recently sent a letter to the Biden administration.
They urged the establishment of a White House Task Force on Global Sports Events to expedite visa processing times. The U.S. is making to host not just the FIFA World Cup 2026 but also the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, making this issue a top priority.
The group of senators emphasized that reducing visa wait times should be a key focus, recommending a target of fewer than 31 days for 80 percent of applicants by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, FIFA has acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues, noting that they are working closely with various U.S. government entities to ensure a successful World Cup event that will attract millions of visitors from around the world.
Football World Cup 2026 Tickets: Preparations Fans Face Lengthy U.S. Visa Delays
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest ever, expanding from 32 to 48 teams. FIFA expects millions of fans to attend the tournament, with many traveling from all corners of the globe. However, for those needing a U.S. visa, the application process is proving to be a major hurdle. While the U.S. has visa waiver programs with 41 countries, many fans from other nations will need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa, adding to the existing backlog.
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This backlog, exacerbated by the pandemic and an ongoing surge in visa applications, has overwhelmed U.S. consulates and embassies. The long wait times are even affecting residents of the tournament’s co-host countries, with wait times of up to 476 days in Mexico City and up to 850 days for foreign residents in Ottawa.
Fans eager to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 are advised to apply for their visas now, well before the tournament begins. This urgency is necessary despite the uncertainty surrounding which teams will qualify and where the matches will be held. As the excitement builds for the Football World Cup 2026, the clock is ticking for fans to secure their place in what promises to be a historic event.
World Cup Tickets: Visa Challenges, Solutions and Expert Insights
While there are ways to reduce the long wait times for visas, these methods are not straightforward. One option is to regularly check online for earlier appointments that open up when someone else cancels. The State Department is urging those planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 to apply for their visas as soon as possible.
The agency has made significant progress in reducing wait times over the past two years and has issued more B1/B2 visas in the first half of its 2024 fiscal year than ever before. Travis Murphy, CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment, an immigration consultancy firm, stresses that the U.S. must address the visa backlog quickly.
Other countries that have recently hosted Football World Cups, such as Qatar, implemented streamlined visa processes for visitors. In 2022, Qatar provided a simple visa process for anyone holding a match ticket, which greatly facilitated attendance. However, Murphy recognizes that implementing a similar system for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the U.S. is more complicated due to political sensitivities surrounding immigration.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Visa Process India’s Struggles and U.S. Challenges
For the U.S. to successfully implement a fast-track visa process for the Football World Cup 2026 there needs to be confidence that attending fans have no intention of immigrating permanently. Murphy notes that this challenge is more pronounced in the U.S. and Canada compared to previous host countries like Russia or South Africa, where fewer people are likely to use the event as an opportunity to immigrate.
To address this, Murphy suggests appointing a special sports envoy, akin to John Kerry’s role in climate diplomacy, to give this issue the high-level attention it deserves. After all, the U.S. actively bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, inviting fans from around the world to attend. In India, Shivanshu Vyas is facing the challenge of obtaining a visa to attend the Football World Cup 2026.
Although the wait time for a visa interview in India is around a year, which is better than in some other countries, securing a visa is still a daunting task. Vyas, who is self-employed as an engineering consultant, may face difficulties in proving his financial ties to his home country, a requirement for obtaining a visitor visa.
Football World Cup: Vyas’s Struggle for a U.S. Visa
Typically, applicants need a letter from an employer demonstrating a steady job, but self-employed individuals must provide additional documentation to prove their income. Vyas’s experience studying in the U.S. and his unsuccessful attempt to obtain a work visa to stay permanently further complicate his situation.
A consular official might view this history unfavorably, potentially leading to a denial of his tourist visa application and making his dream of attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 uncertain. For Vyas, missing out on a visa would be a devastating blow, as he is a passionate football fan. In 2006, he won a contest organized by ESPN to serve as a ball boy for a World Cup match in Germany, but he couldn’t attend due to not having a passport in time.
The memory of that missed opportunity still haunts him. Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 and watching German stars like Kai Havertz would be a dream come true for him. However, his dream hinges on securing a visa. Despite the challenges, Vyas remains hopeful, believing that with two years left, he has enough time to make his dream a reality. Yet, with the clock ticking, time is running out for many fans hoping to attend the Football World Cup 2026.
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