US Visa Issues Impact World Cup Attendance
U.S. visa rejections and geopolitical tensions are significantly impacting fan attendance and team participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lauren Collins ·
US Visa Issues Impact World Cup Attendance
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces challenges in fan attendance due to U.S. visa rejections and geopolitical tensions. Iranian fans and team have encountered significant obstacles, including a U.S. executive order halting visa issuance to several countries, including Iran, designated as a “state sponsor of terrorism.” This situation has been exacerbated by a U.S.-Israel military conflict with Iran, which began months before the tournament.
The conflict has directly impacted Iran's national team, forcing a relocation of their base camp to Mexico and raising concerns about their ability to secure visas for entry into the U.S. for matches. For Iranian fans, travel to the U.S. is further complicated by the absence of direct diplomatic relations and transportation routes, necessitating multi-leg journeys. Additionally, the war has intensified scrutiny of anti-national sentiment within Iran, leading to political repercussions for individuals, including athletes.
Beyond Iran, fans from other nations, such as Ghana, have also experienced widespread visa application rejections. Despite the U.S. implementing a FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) to expedite visa interviews for ticket holders, it does not guarantee approval. These visa challenges, combined with the ongoing geopolitical climate, have deterred global attendance, with some fans expressing safety concerns regarding travel to the U.S. and questioning the World Cup's unifying ideals amidst political and military conflicts.