Clarification issued after Trump accused of blocking fans from 15 World Cup nations

January 16, 2026 Oliver Obel

Uncertainty over US immigration rules has sparked fresh concern around preparations for the upcoming men’s World Cup, though key details suggest travelling supporters are unlikely to be directly affected.

The tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to begin in less than six months and is expected to draw millions of fans across North America. Any suggestion of new entry restrictions has therefore prompted heightened scrutiny from supporters and organisers.

Where the concern began

This week, the Daily Mail reported that the US State Department had circulated an internal memo instructing consular officers to deny certain visa applications from 75 countries while screening procedures are reviewed. The newspaper said 15 of those nations are expected to take part in the World Cup, including Brazil, raising fears that fans could face barriers to attending matches in the United States.

The report also linked the issue to broader diplomatic tensions involving Venezuela and strained relations between Washington and several other governments. According to the Daily Mail, those developments have already unsettled supporters, with thousands reportedly cancelling tickets amid uncertainty over travel conditions.

Several affected teams are scheduled to play group-stage matches on US soil, prompting questions about attendance and the practical impact on the tournament if supporters were unable to enter the country.

What the policy actually covers

According to the Daily Mail, the memo focuses on immigrant visas and directs officers to reject applications from individuals deemed likely to rely on public assistance. Factors cited include health, age and English-language ability, with the policy expected to come into force on January 21.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said.

“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

Crucially, however, reporting from The Athletic indicates the measures apply only to immigrant visas, not to non-immigrant or short-term visitor visas typically used by tourists and sporting supporters.

“Obvious concerns for many that go far beyond a sports tournament but this refers to immigrant rather than non-immigrant visas so important to clarify for those wondering that, at this stage, this does not appear to impact short-term visitors for the World Cup,” The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton wrote on X.

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That distinction has eased some immediate fears among fans, though questions remain about how clearly the policy has been communicated and whether further changes could follow.

FIFA’s response questioned

FIFA has so far avoided publicly criticising US immigration policy. Ahead of the World Cup draw, the organisation praised President Donald Trump for “welcoming the world to America” and awarded him a Peace Prize.

“You can always count on my support,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Trump at the ceremony, describing the award as “truly one of the great honours of my life”.

As debate continues over visas, safety and access for travelling supporters, FIFA’s reluctance to address the issue directly has drawn criticism from observers who argue that clarity and transparency are essential for an event of this scale.

Sources: Daily Mail, The Athletic, US State Department