Fans from 15 countries qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are facing uncertainty after the United States announced a freeze on visa applications for 75 nations.
The move, effective January 21, comes as part of a review of screening procedures for applicants who may rely on public assistance while in the US.
According to a State Department memo, consular officers must now consider factors such as age, health, English proficiency, and potential reliance on public benefits when evaluating visa applications.
“The State Department will deem ineligible any potential immigrants who could become a public charge and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said spokesperson Tommy Piggott.
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The freeze could affect attendance at matches across the US, Mexico, and Canada, especially in Scotland’s Group C, where Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti—three of the impacted nations are scheduled to play.
Matches in Foxborough and Miami may see lower fan turnout if visas are delayed or denied.
Other affected nations include Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan.
FIFA has not yet announced how it plans to support fans from these countries.