By Trendsetter Tribune 
Fans from 15 countries, including Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, may face visa restrictions for the 2026 World Cup after a State Department memo under President Trump freezes processing.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces a potential disruption after the Trump administration instructed the U.S. State Department to pause visa processing for 75 countries, including 15 nations set to compete in the tournament across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
According to an internal memo obtained by media outlets on Wednesday, consular officers are directed to deny visas for applicants who may rely on public benefits while entering the U.S. The freeze is set to take effect January 21, leaving fans uncertain about attending the summer’s marquee event.
Major Teams Affected
Several top teams are included in the visa freeze:
- Brazil – a favorite in the tournament
- Morocco
- Haiti
Scotland’s Group C could see particularly empty stadiums, with three of its four group-stage teams affected. Matches in Foxborough (vs Haiti and Morocco) and Miami (vs Brazil) may face attendance issues.
Other affected nations include Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan.
State Department Guidance and Exceptions
The memo instructs consular officers to consider multiple factors when processing visa applications, including:
- Health and age of applicants
- English proficiency
- Likelihood of relying on public assistance
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said spokesperson Tommy Piggott.
Some exceptions will be made under the new pause, but officials emphasized that these will be very limited.
Policy Context: Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions
The visa freeze coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East, as President Trump deliberates military options against Iran in response to nationwide protests and potential executions of demonstrators.
Trump warned that if Iran’s leadership proceeds with hangings, the U.S. will take “strong action”, raising concerns about broader foreign policy impacts on international events like the World Cup.
Potential Impacts on the World Cup
The freeze threatens to limit fan attendance, potentially leaving some stadiums emptier than expected. FIFA has yet to provide clarification on how the pause will affect ticket holders from affected nations.
Fans and organizers alike are watching closely, as the 2026 World Cup represents a major international sporting event, and visa access will be crucial to ensuring a successful tournament.