U.S. Embassies Urge Visa Applications Now for 2026 World Cup—No Tickets or Reservations Required

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide are advising fans to apply for U.S. entry visas well in advance. With millions of visitors expected, the U.S.—which will host most of the tournament, including the final—is preparing for a surge in visa applications.

U.S. diplomatic missions have emphasized that applicants do not need to provide proof of event tickets, hotel reservations, or flight bookings to begin the visa process. In a recent social media post, the U.S. Embassy in Mauritania encouraged early applications, stating, “If you are planning to attend the FIFA World Cup in the USA in 2026 and need a U.S. entry visa, apply now! You don’t have to show event tickets, hotel reservations, or plane tickets to apply. We facilitate safe and secure travel for millions of people.”

Similarly, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico has urged Mexican nationals and residents to renew their visas ahead of the tournament, posting on its website: “Are you ready to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Renew your visa to watch the matches that will take place in the United States.”

Visa appointment wait times remain a major hurdle. In some locations, applicants face delays of over 700 days. According to the U.S. Department of State, wait times vary widely, with some embassies offering appointments within a day while others experience extreme backlogs. Current estimates show significant delays in cities such as Mumbai (444 days), Chennai (436 days), and Bogotá (700 days). In Nepal, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu reports a wait time of 221 days for visitor visas.

President Donald Trump, who began his second term in January 2025, has assured that all eligible athletes, fans, and officials would be allowed entry without discrimination for the 2026 World Cup. However, his administration’s historically strict immigration policies could pose challenges for international visitors.

With long visa processing times and potential regulatory changes under Trump’s presidency, attending the World Cup in the U.S. could become more complicated for soccer fans worldwide.