The 2026 FIFA World Cup is due to kick off at the Estadio Bonarte in Mexico City on June 11, but fans of some nations may face some trouble if they’re traveling to any games in the US.
Back in June 2025, the Trump Administration provided a list of 75 countries whose citizens were handed “suspended immigrant visa processing.”
It’s made the travel situation more stressful, with many countries’ fans left in limbo with just one week to go until the tournament kicks off.
The tournament is taking place across the North American continent, with the US, Canada, and Mexico hosting games.
However, the majority of games, including the final, will be played on American soil.
So, with the biggest tournament in world soccer fast approaching, how will Trump’s immigration restrictions affect those looking to make the trek to the US?
The Trump administration may have caused an issue at this summer’s World Cup. Credit: Anadolu / Getty
Why has the US suspended Immigrant Visa Processing?
A footballer has already fallen victim to the US’ new visa restrictions, as Swiss forward Breel Donald Embolo couldn’t fly to the US with the squad after his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was denied.
However, it is believed that this was due to a criminal case from his home nation in 2023, as he was found guilty of making multiple threats, and he was also given a suspended fine following an altercation back in 2018.
It isn’t clear if similar issues have taken place on a wider scale yet, but with the World Cup fast approaching, fans are bracing themselves.
The move to suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries is expected to have numerous effects, having first been implemented in January 2026.
As one of the biggest changes to US immigration practices under the Trump administration, it was decided to reduce legal immigration by restricting entry for individuals from countries deemed likely to rely on public assistance.
It has primarily affected applicants from a number of regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Luckily, this suspension should not affect non-immigrant visas such as those for tourism or business travel, which will continue to be processed.
Trump’s policies could affect fans of World Cup nations. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The 75 affected countries
The full list of nations affected by the move includes several countries with a range of political, economic, and security conditions.
These countries have been affected by immigrant visa processing:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- The Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Republic of the Congo
- Russia
- Rwanda
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzani
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Once again, fans for all but one nation seem to be safe from visa restrictions, as this list only covers those looking to secure immigration status to the US.
The only nation whose fans may face trouble is the Ivory Coast.
According to Fragomen, it was listed in January as a country whose non-immigrant visa issuance was suspended in the B, F, M, and J visa classifications, for temporary visitors, students, and exchange visitors.
For nationals of the other 19 countries, the new proclamation suspends immigrant visa issuance, as well as nonimmigrant visa issuance in only the B, F, M, and J visa classifications for temporary visitors, students, and exchange visitors.
In a positive move, the Trump administration confirmed that ticket-holding supporters from Algeria, Cape Verde, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia will be exempt from the requirement to post a visa deposit, from May this year.
