FIFA World Cup 2026: Fans from 15 nations could be barred from entering the US under Donald Trump policy

On Wednesday, the State Department released an internal memo directing consular officers to freeze visas for applicants from 75 countries while the department reevaluates its screening and vetting procedures. 

Among these countries, 15 have qualified for the World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Haiti, and one of the top favorites, Brazil.

“I don’t know why the American president would want teams from certain countries not to take part. If that’s the case, they shouldn’t agree to host the World Cup,” Senegal supporter Djibril Gueye spoke to The Associated Press in Tangier, Morocco, as Senegal was included on the ban list.

President Donald Trump cited “screening and vetting deficiencies” as the main reason for the sanctions. Fans from Iran and Haiti, two countries that have qualified for the World Cup, will also be barred from entering the United States; they were included in the first phase of the travel ban issued by the Trump administration.

The State Department is set to enforce an indefinite freeze on January 21. The memo sent out on Wednesday instructs consular officers to deny visas to applicants who would need to rely on public assistance upon entry to the US.

Officers are also indicated to evaluate a variety of factors for applicants, including health, age, and English proficiency.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people”, cited State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott.

“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

Exceptions for some visa applications will be provided under the new pause, but in “very limited” numbers.

This year’s FIFA World Cup tournament will get underway on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19. A World Cup with emptier stadiums could occur if Trump goes ahead with a final decision to sanction those countries, especially the 15 nations that have qualified.