Attending 2026 World Cup: Planning on attending the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.? You’re not alone. With soccer fans flooding in from every corner of the globe, this event is expected to be the biggest FIFA World Cup yet. But there’s one big hurdle you can’t ignore: U.S. visa processing times are already painfully slow, and they’re likely to get worse.
Getting your visa approved in time requires smart planning, insider tips, and a little patience. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get your U.S. visa faster, what options are available, and key hacks to avoid long embassy wait times. Whether you’re coming from India, Brazil, Nigeria, or anywhere in between, this article’s got your back.
Attending 2026 World Cup
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Visa Wait Time | Up to 13.5 months in countries like India, Colombia |
| U.S. Response Measures | Hiring extra staff, expanding embassy hours, using AI to speed up applications |
| Visa Waiver Countries | 40+ nations including UK, Japan, Australia – eligible for 90-day travel via ESTA |
| Alternative Entry Routes | Enter via Canada or Mexico if direct U.S. visa appointments are backed up |
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and the U.S. will be right at the heart of the action. But unless you nail down your U.S. tourist visa early, you might be watching from home.
Don’t leave your dream to chance. Start now, stay proactive, and follow the tips in this guide to beat the processing delays and get approved before the stadiums fill up. See you in the stands!
Why Visa Delays Are a Real Concern for World Cup Fans
With the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, millions of fans will be looking to enter North America during the summer of 2026. And let’s face it—the U.S. visa system wasn’t exactly built for speed.
Many U.S. embassies are still facing COVID-era backlogs, and demand is only growing. In India, for example, visa appointments in some cities are booked out more than a year in advance. For soccer fans, that means you need to act right now to secure your spot.
Guide to Fast-Tracking Your U.S. Tourist Visa (B-2)
1. Complete the DS-160 Form
Start by filling out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online. This is your first official step.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel.
- Keep your confirmation page for your visa interview.
- Complete the DS-160
2. Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee for a B-2 tourist visa is currently $185 USD. Save your payment receipt.
3. Schedule an Interview
This is where things get tricky. Wait times can vary wildly depending on your country and city.
Pro Tip: Check every U.S. consulate in your country—some have shorter wait times than others.
4. Attend Your Interview
Bring:
- DS-160 confirmation
- Visa appointment letter
- Valid passport
- Financial proof (bank statements, return flight bookings)
- Purpose of visit (like World Cup ticket confirmation, if available)
Be honest and clear. Consular officers are trained to spot red flags, so just keep it real.
Top Tips to Speed Up the Visa Process
Tip #1: Apply Early (Like, Yesterday)
Don’t wait until 2025. Apply in 2024 or early 2025. The earlier you apply, the better your shot at getting through in time.
Tip #2: Monitor for Appointment Cancellations
Some applicants cancel or reschedule their slots. Refresh the appointment portal regularly, especially early morning or late at night.
Tip #3: Use the “Consulate Shopping” Strategy
If wait times are crazy long in your city, look for U.S. consulates in nearby countries that accept third-country applicants.
- Example: Indian citizens applying in Sri Lanka or Nepal
- Always confirm local rules with the consulate before booking
Tip #4: Keep Your Docs Rock Solid
Missing paperwork = delays or rejections. Have everything organized before your interview. Include ties to your home country (job letter, school enrollment, family obligations).
U.S. Visa Alternatives: What If You Can’t Get an Appointment?
Use the Visa Waiver Program (If Eligible)
If you’re from one of the 40+ Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, you can skip the visa and just get ESTA approval.
- Cost: $21 USD
- Valid for 2 years or until passport expires
- Apply here: ESTA Website
Enter via Canada or Mexico
If direct U.S. entry isn’t working out, consider watching a match in Canada or Mexico, then applying for a U.S. visa from there.
Both Canada and Mexico offer more streamlined visa processes for certain nationalities, and they’re also hosting several World Cup games.
Just make sure your visa allows re-entry to the U.S. if you plan on crossing the border.
Bonus Tips for Smooth U.S. Entry
- Don’t bring prohibited items at the airport
- Be polite, honest, and direct at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Have proof of your World Cup match ticket, travel itinerary, and return flight
- Know your hotel info and the cities you’re visiting
FAQs On Attending 2026 World Cup
Q: How long is a B-2 visa valid?
A: Usually valid for 10 years, with stays of up to 6 months per visit (depending on your country).
Q: What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
A: Allows citizens of select countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. You still need to apply for ESTA.
Q: Can I reapply if I get denied?
A: Yes. But address the reasons for denial before reapplying. Bring stronger supporting documents.
Q: Is cherry-picking consulates allowed?
A: It’s not illegal, but not all consulates accept third-country nationals. Double-check the rules for each one.
