Key Takeaways
• Visa interview wait times reach 18 months in Colombia and over 300 days in many countries as of June 2025.
• Travel bans block fans from 12 banned and nine restricted countries, while athletes are exempt.
• International arrivals dropped 9.7% in March 2025; slow ticket sales linked to visa and travel issues.
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup approaches, the United States 🇺🇸 is preparing to welcome teams and fans from around the world. The tournament, set to kick off on June 14 across 11 US cities, promises high-stakes matches and a $1 billion prize pool. But for many international fans, excitement is giving way to frustration and anxiety. Visa delays, travel bans, and strict border enforcement are making it difficult—if not impossible—for thousands of supporters to attend. These challenges are raising serious questions about whether the US can deliver on its promise of a truly global sporting event.
Visa Delays and Border Fears: Who Is Affected and Why?
International fans hoping to attend the Club World Cup in the United States 🇺🇸 are facing major obstacles. Reports from June 2025 show that many are stuck in long visa queues, worried about being turned away at the border, or blocked entirely by new travel bans. The Trump administration has recently issued a ban on travelers from 12 countries and added restrictions for nine more. While athletes and their immediate support teams are exempt, these rules do not help regular fans.
In Colombia, for example, the wait for a US visa interview is now up to 18 months. In many other countries, fans face waits of over 300 days. For those hoping to see their favorite clubs compete, these timelines make travel for the tournament nearly impossible.
The numbers tell a clear story:
– Visa interview wait times: Up to 18 months in Colombia; over 300 days in many countries.
– International arrivals: Down 9.7% in March 2025 compared to last year; a 9.4% drop is expected for the full year.
– Ticket sales: No official figures, but reports suggest slow sales and little international excitement, with many blaming visa and travel problems.
No Special Help for Fans: What the Rules Say
All international fans must have the correct US visa before traveling. A match ticket does not guarantee a visa, and having a visa does not guarantee entry or a ticket. While athletes and their support staff have some exemptions, there are no special rules for fans—even those from countries affected by the travel ban.
Key points for fans:
– No special visa for soccer fans: The US is not giving priority to fans in the visa process.
– Travel bans: Fans from the 12 banned countries and nine restricted countries cannot enter, unless they are athletes or part of a support team.
– Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Fans from VWP countries can use ESTA for up to 90 days, but must apply at least 72 hours before travel.
– Non-VWP countries: Fans must apply for a B-2 tourist visa, with recommended lead times of 6–12 months due to long waits.
For more details on visa requirements, fans can visit the official US Department of State Visa Information page.
The Visa Process: Step-by-Step for International Fans
If you want to attend the Club World Cup in the United States 🇺🇸, here’s what you need to do:
- Check your eligibility: Is your country part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)? If yes, you can apply for ESTA online at least 72 hours before your trip. If not, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa.
- Apply for a visa or ESTA:
- ESTA (for VWP countries): Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- B-2 Tourist Visa (for non-VWP countries): Start the process 6–12 months in advance. Complete the DS-160 form and pay the visa fee.
- Prepare your documents: You’ll need a valid passport (good for at least six months after your trip), the DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, and proof of ties to your home country (like a job, family, or property), financial means, and your travel plans.
- Schedule and attend your interview: Book an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Be ready to answer questions about your trip and show your documents.
- Wait for processing: Processing times vary by country. Delays are common, and there is no guarantee your visa will be approved in time.
- Remember: Neither a visa nor a match ticket guarantees you entry to the United States 🇺🇸 or the event.
For more information on the B-2 tourist visa and the DS-160 form, visit the official US visa application page.
Why Are Visa Delays So Bad This Year?
Visa delays are not new, but they are worse than ever in 2025. The backlog started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many US embassies and consulates closed or reduced staff. Since then, the number of people applying for visas has grown, but staffing and resources have not kept up. Security checks have also become stricter, adding more time to the process.
The current political climate is making things even harder. The Trump administration’s new travel bans and tough immigration enforcement have created more fear and uncertainty. Reports of foreign tourists being detained or questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are making some fans think twice about traveling.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these delays and fears are already keeping many international fans away from the Club World Cup. The site notes that unless urgent action is taken, the United States 🇺🇸 could see even lower attendance at future events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
What Are Stakeholders Saying?
Travel industry leaders, government officials, and event organizers are all aware of the problem. Here’s what some of them have said:
- Geoff Freeman, US Travel Association President: “These underlying issues of visa and customs, we’ve got to address.” The association is working with the White House’s World Cup Task Force to find solutions.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: He has called for longer consular shifts and using technology to speed up visa processing, saying the event is a “priority for the president.” However, no major changes have been made yet.
- Vice President JD Vance: “We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game. But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home. Otherwise, they’ll have to talk to (Homeland Security) Secretary (Kristi) Noem.” This statement shows the strict approach to visa overstays.
- Jesse Marsch, Canadian national team coach: He worries that the US is not “rolling out the red carpet” for visitors, given the current political climate.
The Impact on Fans, Teams, and the US Economy
Fans: Many supporters, especially from Latin America and Africa, are anxious about safety and the risk of being detained or deported. Fan groups and travel advisors say these fears are real and growing. Some fans are choosing not to travel at all, while others are stuck waiting for visas that may not arrive in time.
Teams: While athletes and their support staff have exemptions from some travel bans, they still worry about the lack of international fan support. The atmosphere at matches could be less lively without fans from around the world.
US Economy: The travel industry warns that the United States 🇺🇸 could lose millions in tourism revenue if these problems are not fixed. Fewer international visitors mean less spending on hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. This could also hurt the country’s reputation as a welcoming host for global events.
Event Organizers: FIFA and local organizers say they are not responsible for visa processing and urge fans to apply as early as possible. But with no special help for fans, many are left frustrated.
What Should International Fans Do Now?
If you are an international fan hoping to attend the Club World Cup in the United States 🇺🇸, here are some practical steps:
- Check your country’s visa requirements: Use the US Department of State’s visa wizard to see what you need.
- Apply as early as possible: If you need a B-2 tourist visa, start the process at least 6–12 months before your planned travel date.
- Gather all required documents: Make sure your passport is valid, and collect proof of your ties to your home country, financial means, and travel plans.
- Be prepared for delays: Even with early planning, processing times can be long. There is no guarantee your visa will be approved in time for the tournament.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Support and the US Department of State.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Future Events?
The 2025 Club World Cup is seen as a test for the United States 🇺🇸 ahead of even bigger events, like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. If visa delays and border fears are not fixed, the country could face even more problems in the future.
Travel industry experts warn that the US risks losing its place as a top destination for global sports and tourism. Fans may choose to stay home or travel to other countries with easier entry rules. This could mean less excitement, lower ticket sales, and lost revenue for US cities and businesses.
Stakeholders are pushing for change, but as of June 2025, no major policy shifts have been announced. The US Travel Association and others are urging the government to add more consular staff, extend office hours, and use technology to speed up visa processing. But for now, fans must deal with the current system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does having a match ticket guarantee a US visa or entry?
A: No. A match ticket does not guarantee a visa, and a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States 🇺🇸 or the event.
Q: Are there any special visas for soccer fans?
A: No. There are no special visa provisions for fans, even for those from countries affected by travel bans.
Q: How long does it take to get a US visa?
A: Wait times vary by country. In some places, it can take up to 18 months to get a visa interview. Processing times are often long, so apply as early as possible.
Q: What if my country is part of the Visa Waiver Program?
A: You can apply for ESTA online at least 72 hours before your trip. Check the official ESTA site for details.
Q: Where can I find official information about Club World Cup tickets and visas?
A: Visit the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Support page for the latest updates.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for US Sports Tourism
Visa delays, travel bans, and strict border enforcement are already keeping many international fans away from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States 🇺🇸. With no special help for fans and long waits for visas, international attendance is expected to be much lower than it could be. Unless the US government takes urgent action to speed up visa processing and relax some restrictions, these problems will likely continue—not just for this tournament, but for future major events as well.
For fans, the message is clear: Plan early, check your visa requirements, and be ready for possible delays. For the United States 🇺🇸, the Club World Cup is more than just a sporting event—it’s a test of the country’s ability to welcome the world.
For more information on US visas and travel requirements, visit the US Department of State’s official website.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) → Allows citizens of specific countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa using ESTA.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization; an online application required for VWP travelers before US entry.
B-2 Tourist Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for individuals visiting the US temporarily for tourism or leisure purposes.
Travel Ban → Governmental restriction preventing entry from specified countries, except for exempt categories like athletes.
DS-160 Form → Online visa application form used by the US Department of State for nonimmigrant visa applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US faces visa delays and travel bans, thwarting many fans’ attendance due to long waits and strict restrictions, threatening the event’s global appeal and the US tourist economy.
— By VisaVerge.com
