Key Takeaways
• Secretary Rubio plans double shifts and 24-hour visa operations before 2026 World Cup.
• Average visa interview waits exceed 500 days in Colombia and 377 in Nigeria.
• AI will streamline renewals; staff reassignment aims to reduce visa backlogs urgently.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has presented a series of actions aimed at addressing the pressure on United States 🇺🇸 consular services ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States 🇺🇸 will co-host along with Mexico 🇲🇽 and Canada 🇨🇦. With international excitement building and millions expected to travel for what is the world’s largest sporting event, the government faces new hurdles in visa processing.
Summary of the Legal Changes and Updates
During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Marco Rubio made clear that the State Department is prepared to take “extraordinary steps” to reduce visa backlogs before the World Cup. These steps involve both operational and technological changes to current practices at embassies and consulates. The aim is to help more international football fans attend the tournament by processing visas more quickly, especially for travelers from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program.
The proposed solutions—such as double shifts at key missions, possible 24-hour operations, reassignment of diplomatic staff, and using artificial intelligence (AI) for simpler visa renewals—are not permanent legal reforms but are significant short-term government measures targeted at a specific event. The effective date for full implementation is not set, but the urgency is very high, as the World Cup is less than a year away and visa backlogs are at crisis levels. For those planning to attend, preparations need to begin as soon as possible.
Background and Reasons for the Change
Visa processing in the United States 🇺🇸 was already under strain before the World Cup announcement. The COVID-19 pandemic caused several embassies and consulates to shut down regular operations, leading to a worldwide accumulation of pending applications. Long processing times have persisted, especially for applicants from countries that must apply for visitor visas (B-1/B-2) rather than travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
The World Cup, which is expected to bring in millions of visitors from 48 different nations, has pushed this situation into the spotlight. With fan travel central to the World Cup experience and the growing backlog facing U.S. consular posts, concerns mounted that many supporters could be shut out not for sporting reasons, but because they cannot secure the necessary visas in time.
As Marco Rubio told the hearing, “If you haven’t applied for a visa from Colombia already, you probably won’t get here in time for the World Cup unless we go to double shifts.” This stark warning shows how current policies, if left unchanged, could hamper the success of one of the world’s largest and most anticipated sporting events.
Specific Aspects of Immigration Law Affected
The direct effects fall mostly on nonimmigrant visa processing, specifically for short-term visitors such as those applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. The steps proposed by Marco Rubio and the State Department include:
- Running “double shifts” at embassies and consulates, meaning staff would work both day and night to handle more interviews and paperwork.
- Considering 24-hour visa operations, especially at posts with the highest backlogs.
- Assigning foreign service officers from other roles within the government to work on consular processing.
- Employing AI tools to streamline parts of the application and renewal process, mainly for applicants who have previously held U.S. visas and may not need as much in-person review.
These changes are focused on increasing speed, efficiency, and the total number of visas that can be issued before the start of the tournament.
Current Wait Times and Urgency
Applicants from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program face very long waits. The following are average visa interview wait times at U.S. embassies in some of the most likely World Cup participant countries:
- Colombia: 507 days
- Nigeria: 377 days
- Mexico 🇲🇽: 350 days
- Ivory Coast: 280 days
- Costa Rica: 279 days
Such delays could make it almost impossible for many soccer fans, family members of players, and even officials to attend the World Cup in person unless clear steps are taken immediately. The situation appears especially tough for travelers from countries on the U.S. government’s Terrorist Travel Prevention Act list, such as Iran 🇮🇷, which will take part in the tournament.
Comparison with Previous Policy
Before these new short-term plans, visa processing already faced high demands, but there has never been a need quite like this—47 teams and their fans, plus tourists and officials, all converging on the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and Mexico 🇲🇽 in the same period. Historically, embassies followed a regular eight-hour workday, and while overtime was sometimes used, there has never been a plan for continuous 24-hour service or mass reassignment of diplomats specifically for one event. While the State Department has occasionally used technology to automate some parts of its work, discussing AI for visa processing on a large scale is unprecedented.
By comparison, the previous restrictions and long processing times reflected a lack of urgent intervention. The proposed changes suggest a shift in attitude from top officials, including an explicit statement by Marco Rubio that the president now considers the success of sporting events like the World Cup a top priority, even above broader restrictive attitudes toward immigration.
Political Reaction and Broader Impact
Political leaders in Congress have become increasingly vocal about the importance of streamlining visa processing, particularly ahead of high-profile events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia wrote a letter to Secretary Rubio expressing concern over whether the State Department is ready for the large influx of international visitors expected for both events and for the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States 🇺🇸.
Their letter points to “persistent, unacceptably long wait times at overseas posts, which could damage the country’s reputation and economic success.” The pressure is on not only for the success of the tournament itself but also for the broader image and attractiveness of the United States 🇺🇸 as a global leader and open society.
These moves come despite criticism of President Trump’s earlier immigration policies, which made entry into the country more difficult and led to fears that international interest in traveling to the United States for business or tourism could decline. Marco Rubio made it clear during the hearing that the State Department’s focus on consular services and improved visa processing reflects a commitment to welcoming global visitors and ensuring the tournament’s success.
Technological and Staffing Solutions in Detail
A standout element of the plan is the possible use of artificial intelligence (AI). The State Department is looking at using AI for certain basic visa renewals—cases that normally require little scrutiny and could be processed quickly by a computer, leaving staff free to focus on more complex cases needing in-person review.
In addition, embassies in critical countries will pilot “double shifts,” allowing them to double the usual number of appointments per day by having teams work back-to-back. If wait times do not fall quickly enough, a move to 24-hour consular operations is on the table. These plans would likely require extra funding and coordination with local embassy staff in each country.
Reassigning foreign service officers from other roles is another measure aimed at flooding the system with trained workers, even if only for the months leading up to the World Cup. This approach increases the number of available interview slots and speeds up security and background checks.
Implications for Key Groups
Different groups will feel these changes in different ways:
- Prospective Fans: The urgency is greatest for travelers from countries like Colombia, Nigeria, and Iran, who may not even get the chance to attend unless they apply immediately.
- Visa Applicants: Anyone who plans on attending the World Cup should submit their applications as early as possible and watch for embassy announcements about extra interview slots or new online offerings.
- Employers: Businesses that depend on World Cup tourism (hotels, travel agencies, event organizers) must plan for uncertainty, as the number of overseas customers may depend on how fast the government can issue visas.
- Diplomats and Embassy Staff: Consular teams will work longer and possibly throughout the night. Staff from unrelated divisions may find themselves temporarily transferred to help out.
Transition, Timeline, and Implementation
The process began with Secretary Marco Rubio’s announcement, followed by formal requests from lawmakers to assess staffing and technology needs. The State Department is already advising fans to apply now. Embassies will introduce pilot programs for double shifts first in places like Colombia and Mexico 🇲🇽, then expand as needed.
Implementation details are still developing. As reported by VisaVerge.com, efforts are being made to coordinate among posts globally and to provide policy guidance to staff as the World Cup approaches.
Potential Controversy and Common Questions
The main controversy centers around whether AI is secure enough to be trusted for visa checks, and whether extra shifts will wear out already overworked embassy staff. Some lawmakers fear that even with these changes, not all fans will get visas, harming the event’s reputation and economic impact.
Common questions include:
– Could visa policy changes set a lasting precedent for how the United States 🇺🇸 manages large events in the future?
– What happens if demand still exceeds supply—will the government issue special waivers?
– Is there a risk of increased errors or security lapses with rushed, high-volume processing?
Legal Challenges and Contingencies
At this time, there are no known court challenges to the proposed government actions. However, questions remain about how well AI can be managed within the requirements of U.S. immigration laws, especially regarding privacy and data security.
Advice for Compliance and Next Steps
Anyone hoping to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States 🇺🇸 should start the visa process now. Monitor embassy announcements, assemble all supporting documents (like proof of tournament tickets, hotel bookings, and financial statements), and prepare for possible extra steps, such as additional interviews or security checks. Employers and event organizers should keep in touch with official sources, since policies may change as World Cup demand grows.
For precise visa requirements and updates, visit the official U.S. Department of State travel page.
To conclude, the U.S. government’s evolving approach under Marco Rubio promises to boost visa processing just in time for the World Cup, but time is short and challenges remain. Anyone affected by these measures should seek timely, professional immigration advice, as policies may continue to shift quickly in the run-up to the event. Always check the latest official government announcements and remember that each case is unique.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program → A U.S. scheme allowing citizens from specific countries to travel temporarily without visas.
B-1/B-2 Visa → Temporary U.S. visas for business visitors and tourists requiring consular processing.
Double Shifts → Operational strategy where consular staff work consecutive shifts to increase visa processing capacity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) → Technology used to automate and speed up simpler visa application reviews.
Foreign Service Officers → Diplomats assigned to U.S. embassies who handle visa interviews and consular services.
This Article in a Nutshell
U.S. steps to ease visa delays before the 2026 World Cup include extended embassy hours and AI use. Fans from key countries face long waits, urging immediate applications. Rubio stresses urgent operational changes to meet demand. The plan balances speed with security to support millions heading to the tournament.
— By VisaVerge.com
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