There White House decided to set up a specialized working group to avoid visa chaos during the World Cup 2026. The decision comes amid concerns that entry protocols into the United States could affect millions of fans. The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
3 countries = 3x more problems?
A special group will be formed to manage concerns that players, support staff and millions of fans could be affected by administrative complications. Although the tournament doesn't start for another 3 years, decision-makers have acted now to try and put in place a system that will allow all participants to travel without hassle. FIFA officials are understood to be working with their American counterparts on what will be a complex and lengthy operation.
Organizing the tournament in 3 countries further complicates an already delicate situation. What's more, thanks to the tournament's expansion, 104 matches will be played instead of the traditional 64with the participation of 48 teamswhich further complicates matters. Entry into the USA is likely to cause the biggest problem, as obtaining a visa is a notoriously difficult and time-consuming process for many, a process that has been slowed by the Covid pandemic.
Avoiding a situation where players are unable to obtain the necessary documents to represent their country will be essential. In many cases, interviews at embassies are necessary, and additional staff may have to be mobilized to cope with the demand. If countries whose residents are not allowed to enter the USA qualify, special dispensation will need to be granted.
There is also the potential for problems with those who have criminal recordsEntry to these countries could also prove problematic. In addition to the issue of entry into each country, the teams and their legions of fans will have to cross borders with very little warning as the tournament progresses towards the knockout stages.
The launch of afan cardIt's not likely that many travelers will be able to take advantage of this "sesame" to immigrate illegally to the USA, as was the case for Russia 2018 or Qatar 2022.
USA, the eldorado for travelers and hell for visa applicants
The United States has always been known for its strict immigration procedures. Obtaining a visa for the United States can be a long, costly and uncertain process. Applicants often have to provide a large number of documents, undergo interviews and wait a long time for a response (currently over 90 at the Paris embassy). After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States tightened its security measures, making the process of obtaining a visa even more rigorous.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to this process. With the closure of embassies and consulates, as well as travel restrictions, obtaining a visa to the U.S. has become even more difficult. In addition, changing immigration policies and presidential executive orders have added to the confusion and uncertainty for many applicants.
Against this backdrop, it's understandable that staging a global event such as the FIFA World Cup in the United States poses unique visa challenges. With thousands of players, officials, media and fans seeking entry to the U.S., the potential for visa problems is enormous. The White House's decision to set up a task force to address these issues shows recognition of these challenges and the importance of ensuring a successful tournament.
Thoughts on the new 🌎🏆 WC2026 logo? pic.twitter.com/qZ27zgf9sJ
- The Kitsman (@The_Kitsman) May 18, 2023
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