Infantino Says No Visa Issues for 2026 World Cup Teams in U.S.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says no team will face visa issues traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, adding that all national teams and official delegations will be able to enter without problems. His remarks follow weeks of questions about possible hurdles, including reports involving Iran’s football delegation. Infantino stressed that FIFA is in ongoing talks with the White House and U.S. authorities, and that a dedicated task force is working to make sure all teams and delegations will be granted visas in time for the tournament. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these assurances aim to calm concerns as planning moves into a critical period.

Infantino repeated that “fans from all over the world will be welcome” and that the process for supporters will be made as smooth as possible. He said the U.S. State Department plans to add staff at embassies and consulates to handle the expected surge of visitor applications linked to the 2026 World Cup. He pointed to the successful entry of fans from 164 countries for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States earlier this year as an example of how large events can work smoothly when agencies coordinate. These measures, he argued, should ease worries about visa issues for both teams and fans.

Assurances for Teams and Delegations

The most important piece of news is Infantino’s clear pledge that teams and official delegations won’t be blocked by visa issues. He described steady coordination between FIFA and U.S. officials, including the White House, to preempt problems and handle special cases.

A dedicated task force indicates a structured approach with three main aims:
1. Identify potential trouble early.
2. Create a channel to resolve issues rapidly.
3. Avoid late surprises that could affect squad arrivals, training, and match schedules.

While reports about Iran’s delegation raised eyebrows, Infantino said these matters will be resolved through the ongoing process.

Why this matters to national federations

• Team arrivals depend on strict timelines for training, media duties, and medical checks.
• Any delay can disrupt competitive preparation and logistics for equipment, security, and accommodation.
• Infantino’s pledge reflects lessons from past tournaments, where last‑minute document snags complicated arrivals.

He framed the United States’ approach as cooperative and forward‑looking, with regular communication intended to smooth each step before teams board their flights.

Competitive fairness and operational stability

FIFA’s push to lock in entry for all delegations also speaks to equality on the field. If one team faces a late visa decision while another does not, that creates uneven preparation time. Infantino’s message aims to remove that doubt and reassure host cities and sponsors that match calendars won’t be disrupted by travel complications.

In a tournament spread across a vast country, minimizing uncertainty is central to:
– Stadium operations
– Broadcast planning
– Fan travel plans tied to specific matchdays

Fan Entry and Processing Plans

On the fan side, Infantino focused on staffing increases at U.S. embassies and consulates and a streamlined process for applicants. He said the 2026 World Cup will build on the recent Club World Cup experience, when supporters from 164 countries entered the United States without widespread problems.

If staffing plans proceed, expected benefits include:
– Reduced appointment backlogs at embassies and consulates
– Shorter wait times for visa appointments
– A clearer, more predictable application process as demand rises

As of October 11, 2025, FIFA and U.S. government representatives say there are no anticipated visa barriers for teams, delegations, or fans attending matches in the United States. That message matters for families saving to travel, tour operators selling match packages, and local businesses counting on visitor spending in host cities.

While Infantino avoided detailed timelines in his public remarks, his tone suggested the coordination work is active now, not something that will start only months before kickoff.

“Fans from all over the world will be welcome” — Infantino’s emphasis signals an inclusive approach intended to address fears that geopolitics or security checks could slow entries for certain nationalities.

Practical implications for ticket‑holders and travelers

• Expect clearer guidance and earlier planning from authorities.
• Anticipate more case officers reviewing applications to keep the process moving.
• Understand that individual cases will still vary, but the system aims to be ready for World Cup volumes.

Coordination and the role of government guidance

Infantino’s task force reference hints at a central lane for problem‑solving. By tackling issues early—whether arising from documentation, travel history, or scheduling—organizers and authorities aim to keep the tournament accessible for both teams and visitors.

For official background on visitor entries, the U.S. government maintains public guidance on tourist travel and entry requirements. See the Department of State’s U.S. visitor visa guidance: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html. These pages remain the baseline reference for travelers planning their trips.

Final takeaways

Infantino’s remarks tie FIFA’s planning to active cooperation by U.S. authorities—a practical difference between hoping the system will scale and building the capacity to ensure it does. The 2026 World Cup is vast in scope, bringing together a record number of teams, and federal coordination is essential.

Key points to remember:
– All teams and delegations will be granted visas, per Infantino’s public statement.
– The U.S. government plans to add staff at embassies and consulates to handle increased demand.
– FIFA has established a task force to identify and resolve visa issues early.
– Travelers should prepare early, follow official guidance, and consult government resources for up‑to‑date visa rules.

Finally, the human dimension is simple: families want to see their teams play; players want to focus on football; and staff want to do their jobs without travel stress. Infantino’s pledge and the U.S. staffing plans aim to make that possible, with the Club World Cup example serving as recent, concrete proof that large‑scale entries can work when resources are aligned. With less than a year to go before fans finalize itineraries, the message is clear: prepare early, follow official guidance, and expect a system set up to welcome the world to the 2026 World Cup.