Latin American Fans Live for Soccer but U.S. Visa Hurdles May Keep Them from 2026 World Cup 

Latin American Fans Live for Soccer but U.S. Visa Hurdles May Keep Them from 2026 World Cup 
Credit: Getty Images/ Juergen Sack

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, yet many are worried whether the United States is prepared to handle the surge of more than 6 million visitors expected to arrive for the tournament.  

Delays in visa processing, restrictive immigration policies, and bureaucratic hurdles could make it difficult for fútbol fans, players, and officials to enter the country, threatening what was once promised as the most inclusive World Cup in history. 

What’s Happening?

For the U.S., the stakes are high. The tournament, which will be co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, is the largest in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The economic benefits are expected to be significant, with 78 matches scheduled across 11 U.S. cities. According to the LA Times, Los Angeles alone anticipates 180,000 visitors, with an estimated financial impact of nearly $600 million. Nationwide, projections suggest the U.S. could see an economic boost of more than $3.75 billion. However, rigid visa policies and extended processing times could undermine the ability to capitalize on the event. 

The visa backlog has become a growing concern. At 18 U.S. embassies and consulates, applicants face wait times exceeding 330 days. Countries like Colombia, India, and Peru, where demand is particularly high, have some of the longest delays. With tickets expected to go on sale in late 2025, most fans will have less than six months to navigate a process that is already fraught with obstacles. Unlike Russia and Qatar, the last two World Cup hosts, which created streamlined visa-entry systems for ticket holders, the U.S. has made no such accommodations. 

The Latino Community Loves Fútbol

Fútbol commands a global following, drawing millions to stadiums and television screens alike. The sport is deeply embedded in national identities, with clubs and leagues serving as cultural and social institutions. The loyalty of supporters is often passed down through generations, making tournaments like the World Cup moments of shared history. Latinos know a thing or two about this beloved sport. In fact, 58 percent of all fútbol fans can be found in Latin America.  

A previous report released by Statista indicated that Brazil leads the world in football enthusiasm, with 91 percent of the population following leagues, clubs, and competitions. Mexico and Germany were not far behind, with 81 percent and 76 percent, respectively. France follows at 72 percent, while Japan and the United States lag with 42 percent and 27 percent. Despite its relatively lower engagement, the U.S. will be tasked with hosting an event that will test its infrastructure, immigration system, and ability to welcome fans from every corner of the world. 

The Visa Process for the World Cup in 2026

The visa application process itself presents additional hurdles. Applicants must complete Form DS-160, submit extensive documentation about their personal and professional history, provide travel details, and pay a $185 nonrefundable fee. The final step requires an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, further complicating the process for those in countries with limited U.S. diplomatic presence. 

Some travelers will avoid this process altogether. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 42 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. For many others, securing entry will remain an uphill battle. In 2023, nearly a quarter of all visitor visa applications were denied. 

Geopolitical tensions have already begun disrupting visa processing. The U.S. embassy in Bogotá, where the wait time for an interview had reached 700 days, abruptly suspended appointments following a diplomatic standoff with Colombian officials. Colombia has historically been one of the largest foreign ticket buyers for the World Cup, making the decision particularly consequential. 

So, Now What?

FIFA officials insist the concerns are exaggerated, pointing to guarantees made during the bidding process that assured all eligible visitors would be granted entry without discrimination. Whether those assurances translate into action remains uncertain. Without intervention, millions of fans may find themselves unable to attend, a logistical failure that could tarnish the reputation of both the tournament and the host nation. 

At the moment, we all must wait and see. Let’s see what ends up happening in the world’s most-watched sporting event. 

For Image credit or remove please email for immediate removal - info@belatina.com