The US State Department has confirmed that President Trump’s recent plan to freeze visa applications will not affect people traveling to the United States for the World Cup this summer. This news comes as a relief to football fans worldwide who were worried about potential travel problems.
According to The Daily Mail, the initial announcement caused widespread confusion and panic. Earlier this week, the State Department released an internal memo telling consular officers to deny visa applications from 75 different countries while the agency reviews its screening and vetting procedures. Fifteen of those 75 nations are scheduled to compete in the World Cup this year, including Brazil, Morocco, Colombia, Egypt, and Uruguay.
Fans of these teams were understandably concerned they wouldn’t be allowed into the United States to support their national squads at the biggest sporting event in the world. The thought of the World Cup being thrown into travel chaos worried many people planning trips to watch the games.
Operation Sports App
Your ultimate companion for sports gaming. Access in-depth coverage, thoughtful discussion, and a community built around the games—and sports—you love.
Your ultimate sports gaming companion.
The visa freeze only targets immigrant visas, not World Cup visitors
The State Department has now provided clear guidance about who the freeze actually affects. A spokesperson stated: “This action applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only, and does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals intending to travel for the World Cup.” This means athletes, their families, media covering the event, and tourists can all enter without any issues.
The focus of President Trump’s freeze is entirely on immigrant visas. The policy specifically targets applicants who might need to rely on public benefits after entering the US. This move uses the State Department’s long-standing authority to reject potential immigrants who might become a “public charge.” While sports fans celebrate this clarity, other major sporting events have seen their own controversies, like when Novak Djokovic responded to Australian Open hecklers.
The freeze is expected to start on January 21, but there’s no clear indication of how long these 75 countries will be affected. The internal memo lists several factors that officers must consider when evaluating potential immigrants, including their health, age, and English proficiency.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott explained the reasoning behind the policy. He stated that the 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.”
The administration wants to ensure immigrants can support themselves financially when they arrive. In the world of sports, clarity from officials is always crucial, much like Sean McVay’s demand for NFL rule clarification after a controversial call.
For anyone planning to visit the US for the World Cup, the entry requirements for tourists are not changing. The only major challenges fans will face now are booking flights and getting those highly sought-after tickets to the games.
Published: Jan 17, 2026 12:00 pm