The United States government has clarified that its latest visa restrictions will not affect football fans seeking to travel to attend major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a broad ban on immigrant visas targeting nearly 40 countries.
In a directive circulated to all US embassies and consulates on Wednesday, the State Department outlined exemptions tied to what it classified as “major sporting events.” These exemptions apply to participating athletes, coaches and accredited support staff affected by the recently expanded immigrant visa ban.
The list of exempted competitions extends beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games to include events organised or endorsed by major international, collegiate and professional sports bodies.
However, the directive stressed that the exemption applies strictly to participants and accredited officials. Spectators, media representatives and corporate sponsors are not covered under the exemption unless they qualify through separate visa categories.
Amid growing concerns among football supporters—particularly from Africa—FIFA has moved to reassure fans that the policy will not prevent them from attending the World Cup in the United States.
“The ban is for immigrant visas, not tourist visas,” a FIFA spokesperson told AfricaSoccer.com, in comments relayed by the site’s editor, Nuhu Adams.
“Ghanaian fans and supporters of all qualified teams will be able to apply for their visas as previously communicated. FIFA continues to work closely with US authorities to ensure fans can attend matches without unnecessary barriers.”
President Donald Trump’s December 16 proclamation suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority, citing immigration control and public assistance concerns. While some countries face full bans and others partial restrictions, exemptions were carved out for globally significant sporting events, with the final list delegated to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
That list now includes all Olympic and Paralympic competitions and qualifiers, FIFA-sanctioned events, Special Olympics competitions, and events organised by bodies such as the NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula 1, NASCAR, PGA, LPGA, UFC and WWE.
Countries under a full ban include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, Somalia and Sudan, while a partial ban affects nations such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Immigration experts note that World Cup supporters typically apply for B-1/B-2 tourist visas, which remain outside the scope of the immigrant visa restrictions.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, assurances from both FIFA and US authorities are expected to ease anxiety among African fans eager to follow their national teams on football’s biggest stage.
