US launches FIFA pass for 2026 visas but many fans still face uncertainty | OneFootball

The United States has launched a FIFA pass to speed up visa processing for 2026 World Cup ticket holders, but supporters from several countries are not assured entry next summer.

Announced in November by President Donald Trump, the measure comes ahead of a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July. The US will stage 78 of the 104 matches, according to L'Équipe.

Most Europeans, including French citizens, do not need a visa for stays under 90 days, so they will require an ESTA, not the pass.

For many others, entry could be far from straightforward. A White House move, announced last Wednesday, to suspend processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries takes effect on Wednesday. Among those affected are 15 qualified World Cup nations, Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Jordan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Senegal, Tunisia and Uruguay, with seven more still in contention, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

Tourist and business visas are not covered by the suspension. Even so, Haitians and Iranians face a total US entry ban, while Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire are subject to partial restrictions, so their travelling support could be limited.

Athletes, team members and their close relatives can be exempt, but supporters and spectators are not. Fans may apply for the FIFA pass, yet there is no guarantee a visa will be granted for entry next summer.

Source: L'Équipe