As football fans wait for the 2026 World Cup, it has emerged that the window to obtain a first-time US visitor visa for the tournament is closing. This is considering the amount of time it takes to get the visa for some countries.
The US Travel Association disclosed this development at a press event as reported by Reuters.
“If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026,” the association’s president Geoff Freeman said.
“Travelers are waiting on average 260 days for an appointment to interview for a first-time visitor visa,” Freeman added.
However, first time applicants in some countries still have time to get their visas in order.
“While we encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need US visas to apply now, there is still plenty of time for fans to apply for their visas,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
How Long Does It Take to Get a US Visa?
According to the US Embassy, visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of a passport.
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Nonetheless, the US Travel Association said average wait times for example in Colombia are currently about 670 days. Therefore, visitors from the country without a visa yet might miss the tournament unless the process is expedited.
Additionally, in Mexico, the average wait is 458 days, and travelers from India are facing waits of up to 404 days for an interview.
However, FIFA is working with the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. governments to ensure that those who need visas can get them in time for the much-awaited 2026 World Cup tournament.
Also Read: New Jersey Wins Bid to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
The 2026 World Cup will see 48 teams go head-to-head in one of the globe’s most popular football tournament. New Jersey will host the final match of the tournament while the opening clash will be at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
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