New US bans cloud 2026 World Cup access
New rules collide with tournament preparations
The 2026 World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, but recent changes to US entry policy are creating fresh obstacles for fans hoping to follow their teams.
According to the US State Department, a revised list of 75 countries has been issued whose citizens are now subject to new travel restrictions. Several of those nations have already secured qualification for the tournament.
Countries affected by the first wave of bans
A first set of measures, which took effect on 1 January, introduced full entry bans on Haiti and Iran, while partial restrictions were imposed on Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to reporting by the BBC, Haiti and Iran are scheduled to play all of their group stage matches in the United States. Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are expected to divide their fixtures between the US and Canada.
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Teams cleared, supporters blocked
The travel restrictions include exemptions for athletes and officials participating in major international sporting events. This allows national teams, coaching staff and tournament personnel to enter the country.
Those exemptions do not extend to supporters. Under the current rules, fans from affected countries would be unable to travel to the United States to attend matches, even when their teams are competing there.
Additional bans and shifting visa rules
Another round of travel measures is due to come into force on 21 January, covering four additional countries alongside 71 others.
According to a State Department memo cited by the BBC, consular officers have been instructed to refuse certain immigrant visa applications while screening and vetting procedures are reassessed. The BBC reported that these restrictions are described as temporary and do not currently apply to non immigrant tourist or business visas.
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Uncertainty spreads among qualified nations
NPR reported that US embassies and consulates have also been warned to ensure non immigrant visa applicants are fully vetted, placing the burden on travellers to prove they will not rely on public benefits while in the country.
At present, full restrictions apply to Haiti and Iran, with partial limits affecting Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also listed and could still qualify for the tournament.
Other countries that have already qualified for the World Cup and appear on newer travel lists include Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Uruguay and Uzbekistan. While current rules may not bar all supporters, the inclusion of these countries has raised concerns that further policy changes could follow before the tournament begins.
A tournament shaped by politics
With less than two years until kick off, organisers, fans and host cities are left navigating a shifting political landscape. While players will take the field as planned, the ability of supporters to follow them may depend less on footballing success and more on immigration policy decisions still unfolding.
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Sources: BBC, NPR, US State Department
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