The United States government has moved to calm growing international concern after confirming that its newly expanded visa restrictions will not affec
The United States government has moved to calm growing international concern after confirming that its newly expanded visa restrictions will not affect football supporters travelling to attend major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
The clarification follows a December 16 proclamation by President Donald Trump that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority, a decision justified by the administration on grounds of immigration control and concerns over public assistance use.
The announcement initially triggered anxiety across parts of Africa and other affected regions, with fears that fans and sporting delegations could be barred from entering the United States.
In a diplomatic cable circulated on Wednesday to all US embassies and consulates worldwide, the State Department outlined specific exemptions to the ban, categorising a broad range of competitions as “major sporting events.”
Under the directive, athletes, coaches, technical officials and essential support staff participating in such events will be eligible for visas despite the broader immigrant visa suspension.
The exemption covers not only the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also FIFA-sanctioned tournaments and qualifiers, Special Olympics events, and competitions organised or endorsed by leading international, collegiate and professional sports bodies.
These include organisations such as the NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Major League Soccer (MLS), Formula 1, NASCAR, PGA and LPGA Tours, UFC and WWE.
However, the State Department was careful to draw clear limits around the exemption. According to the directive, it applies strictly to accredited participants and officials.
Spectators, journalists, sponsors and other non-participating visitors are not covered under the sporting exemption and must qualify under existing visa categories.
In response to growing concern among football supporters—particularly from Africa—FIFA has publicly reassured fans that they will not be affected by the policy.
Speaking to AfricaSoccer.com, FIFA confirmed that the restrictions apply to immigrant visas, not tourist visas, which are typically used by fans attending tournaments.
“The ban is for immigrant visas, not tourist visas,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “Ghanaian fans and supporters of all qualified teams will be able to apply for their visas as previously communicated. FIFA continues to work closely with US authorities to ensure fans can attend matches without unnecessary barriers.”
Immigration analysts have echoed this position, noting that most World Cup supporters travel on B-1/B-2 visitor visas, which remain unaffected by the proclamation. As a result, fans intending to attend matches are expected to follow the standard visa application process.
Under the new policy, countries facing a full immigrant visa ban include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, Somalia and Sudan, among others. A separate group of nations—including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe—are subject to partial restrictions.
With the 2026 World Cup expected to attract millions of travelling supporters and mark the first time the tournament is hosted across three countries, the assurances from both FIFA and the US government are likely to ease fears and maintain momentum ahead of the global showpiece.
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