Donald Trump’s visa suspension sparks confusion ahead of 2026 World Cup — but most fans will still be able to attend.
The Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries has caused widespread confusion ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While the new order does not affect tourist or short-term visitor visas, separate travel restrictions on certain nations could still complicate travel for some fans planning to attend matches in the United States.
US suspends immigrant visas, but travel for visitors remains open
As reported by The Guardian, President Donald Trump’s administration has indefinitely suspended the processing of immigrant visas — those allowing permanent residency — for citizens of 75 countries.
The suspension affects a wide range of nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
However, the policy applies only to permanent residency visas — meaning tourists, business travellers, and sports fans are still eligible to apply for temporary entry to the United States.
The confusion arises because the announcement coincides with other travel restrictions that affect a smaller number of countries with stricter security classifications.
Some nations still face travel barriers ahead of the tournament
According to BBC Sport, certain countries whose teams are competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup still face partial or full travel bans unrelated to the new immigration order.
Fans from Haiti and Iran are currently unable to enter the United States under existing national security restrictions, while Ivory Coast faces limited visa access due to diplomatic tensions.
Although these restrictions do not apply to players or team staff, they could prevent thousands of supporters from attending games hosted in US cities.
Fans from affected nations will still be able to attend matches in Mexico and Canada, which share hosting duties for the expanded 48-team tournament beginning 11 June 2026.
Nonetheless, the overlapping visa restrictions have added complexity and confusion just months before the first ball is kicked in North America’s first jointly hosted World Cup.
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