There are 15 countries that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup who have been banned from entering the US.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be one of the most anticipated sporting events in recent history, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada serving as joint hosts.
However, recent immigration policy changes have cast a shadow over what should be a celebration of international football.
Trump administration’s travel ban
In a dramatic move, the Trump administration announced that 75 countries would face restrictions on entering the United States.
The policy, which takes effect on January 21, has sparked widespread concern about the impact on the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to begin in just five months.
According to the State Department, immigrant visa processing will be suspended for these nations until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not become a ‘public charge’ or rely on government benefits.
The administration has described this as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration, though critics argue it will primarily affect legal immigration pathways.
Impact on World Cup fans
Of the 75 countries affected by the travel ban, 15 have already qualified to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
This unprecedented situation has raised serious questions about whether fans from these nations will be able to travel to support their teams on football’s biggest stage.
The affected countries include some of the sport’s most passionate fan bases. Brazil, one of football’s most successful nations with five World Cup titles, appears on the list alongside traditional powerhouses like Uruguay and Colombia.
In all, there are a shocking 15 countries.
FIFA responds
FIFA has issued an official statement acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
The organization reminded ticket holders that ‘a match ticket does not guarantee admission to a host country,’ urging fans to check entry requirements for Canada, Mexico, and the United States through official government websites.
The football governing body has recommended that fans submit visa applications as early as possible, given the processing times involved.
FIFA also highlighted that World Cup ticket holders would be eligible for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), designed to expedite visa processing for tournament attendees.
Visa type clarification
In a crucial development, the US State Department has clarified that the restrictions apply specifically to immigrant visas only.
A spokesperson confirmed that the ban does not extend to nonimmigrant visas, which include categories for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals traveling for the World Cup.
This distinction means that fans should still be able to obtain tourist visas to attend matches, assuming they meet the standard requirements and successfully navigate the application process.
However, the announcement has created considerable uncertainty and anxiety among supporters planning to make the journey.
The FIFA PASS system
To address concerns about visa processing delays, the US government announced in November the creation of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that World Cup attendees would receive the same vetting as other applicants but would be moved to the front of the queue, per the BBC.
“We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” Rubio stated.
The system is expected to become available in the coming weeks, though specific details about the application process remain limited.
What about the athletes?
While fans face uncertainty, the travel restrictions do not apply to athletes traveling for official sporting events.
This means that national team players, coaching staff, and other essential tournament personnel from the affected countries will still be able to participate in the World Cup without issue.
However, the situation raises broader questions about the tournament’s atmosphere and the fundamental spirit of the World Cup as a global celebration of football that transcends political boundaries.
With the tournament rapidly approaching, both FIFA and US officials face mounting pressure to ensure that fans can attend matches without unnecessary barriers.
The situation remains fluid, and affected supporters are advised to begin their visa applications immediately to avoid potential complications.
For many fans from the listed countries, this World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their national teams compete on North American soil.
The hope is that the FIFA PASS system and the exemption for tourist visas will allow these supporters to fulfill their dreams of attending the tournament.
Full list of affected nations
The 15 qualified World Cup countries facing US travel restrictions are:
- Uzbekistan
- Algeria
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Haiti
- Iran
- Ivory Coast
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Senegal
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
