FIFA holds meeting with foreign officials to ease concerns about visa wait times for 2026 World Cup

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• The FIFA organisation extended an invitation to foreign embassies based in Washington, D.C., for a workshop.
• Tried to ease concerns on visa wait times for 2026 World Cup
• Current wait times for some countries near 18 months

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WHAT HAPPENED?

The FIFA organisation conducted a workshop for employees at foreign embassies in Washington D.C. This was done as federal authorities aimed to alleviate worries regarding the delays in obtaining US visas for supporters intending to attend the 2026 World Cup, as reported. Sports Business Journal .

FIFA’s governmental relations division conducted the event and featured participants from the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security. These contributors offered insights into matters concerning credentials, traveling to the U.S., ensuring safety and security, managing delegation operations, and handling procedures for state leaders’ movements.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

visa waiting periods are among many logistical worries expressed by parties involved before the 2026 event. In this event, out of the competition’s 104 matches, 78—including the final—will take place in the U.S. Attendees were informed that they might expect to wait approximately 30 days for an interview.

That goes against some of the latest information provided by the U.S. government , which shows windows of nearly a year for some countries. Some nations qualify for a visa waiver program, which allows foreign nationals to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without official documentation.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

The White House announced that the task force it will be headed by former N.Y. gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani -the offspring of longtime Donald Trump supporter Rudolph Giuliani.