Overview
- The State Department announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting Jan. 21, a list that includes several World Cup participants.
- Authorities and multiple reports indicate the pause does not cover tourist or business visitor visas, but supporters from nations such as Senegal and Ivory Coast still face uncertainty after earlier U.S. entry restrictions.
- Exemptions apply for players, team officials and immediate relatives, with no blanket allowance for regular supporters who lack existing visas.
- FIFA reported more than 500 million ticket requests in a 33‑day window, with allocations to be randomized where demand exceeds supply and notifications to begin no earlier than Feb. 5.
- In response to access and cost concerns, FIFA launched the FIFA Pass for priority visa appointments, added consular staffing, and set aside a limited number of $60 tickets for national federations.