How Fans Can Prepare for a Safe Trip to the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is approaching, and millions of fans around the world are preparing to travel to the United States, Canada, and Mexico to watch their national teams. But anyone planning to enter the U.S. during the tournament must pay close attention: current immigration policies may completely block entry for citizens of several countries.

Since June 9, 2025, the U.S. government has been strictly enforcing Proclamation 10949, signed by President Donald Trump, which fully suspends entry for nationals of 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on seven others. Among the countries facing a full entry ban are Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela.

This creates a striking contradiction: Haiti and Iran have already qualified for the World Cup, yet their citizens, along with Venezuelans cannot apply for a B-2 tourist visa to enter the United States and attend the matches. So far, no exceptions have been announced for fans, family members, or friends wishing to join the tournament in person.

Broader impact beyond tourism
The administration argues that the policy is based on “national security” concerns, citing high overstay rates. However, recent reports show that the restrictions affect far more than tourists.

A notable example occurred when a Venezuelan youth baseball team was denied visas and prevented from competing in an international tournament in the U.S.

What allowed travelers must do
For fans from countries still permitted to enter the United States, preparation is essential. Large international events typically lead to increased random checks near stadiums, airports, and major public locations.

Immigration attorneys recommend that all visitors keep the following with them at all times:

Passport
Valid U.S. visa
I-94 entry record
Digital copies of documents
Proof of tourism such as tickets, hotel or Airbnb reservations, and return flight confirmation

If approached by ICE, Border Patrol, or any immigration officer, visitors should remain calm, politely present their documents, and show evidence that their stay is temporary and lawful.

Additional safety measures include saving your hotel address, avoiding driving without proper authorization, traveling in groups, and keeping the contact information of an immigration attorney accessible before arriving.

A World Cup under strict immigration rules
With U.S. immigration requirements now stricter than in previous tournaments, document preparation will be just as important as securing a seat at the stadium. The World Cup may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience but only for those who ensure their entry into the country is fully compliant.