Red Card for Red Tape: US Visa Freeze Ahead of World Cup 2026
14 January 2026
Visa Freeze Details
Will this decision affect World Cup attendance?
The U.S. Department of State has frozen visa issuances to 75 countries, just months ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to a report.
The freeze is in effect from January 21 and will continue until a date yet to be announced.
Fox News reports that the freeze covers Egypt, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen.
The report adds that the State Department will reassess the visa procedures for the 75 countries before reopening them.
World Cup Context
World Cup 2026 events are scheduled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Officials emphasize the measure focuses on security checks and does not cancel fan travel, though fans may need contingency plans.
Fans may also need to adjust travel arrangements as organizers finalize schedules and logistics for the tournament.
Punchlines: If visas moved as fast as attackers, kickoff would be in January. If travel policy were a goalkeeper, it would never concede to fans—only to the clock.
