With the FIFA World Cup approaching, the United States' strict travel and visa policies under President Donald Trump have raised concerns about access for fans, players, and officials from around the world. Recent travel bans and a pause on immigrant visa processing have affected several countries whose teams have qualified for the tournament, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti. While the latest visa pause does not impact short-term visitors, travel bans on certain nations do restrict entry for both tourists and business travelers, complicating attendance for many supporters.

To address some of these challenges, the United States has introduced the FIFA PASS, a system designed to prioritize visa appointments for ticket holders, though it does not guarantee entry and all applicants remain subject to rigorous vetting. Long wait times for visa appointments in some countries persist, despite efforts to reduce backlogs.

FIFA officials and United States leaders have repeatedly emphasized their intent to welcome the world for the tournament, but ongoing policy changes and heightened scrutiny at the border have left many fans uncertain about their ability to attend. The situation underscores the tension between national security priorities and the global, inclusive spirit of the World Cup.