By Our Correspondent

National News – The United States government has released detailed travel and visa requirements for football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The tournament, regarded as the largest FIFA World Cup in history, will feature 48 national teams competing across major cities in North America.

The US Department of State explained that all international visitors must meet travel documentation requirements before entering the country for the competition.

According to the guidelines, fans from countries outside the Visa Waiver Programme must obtain valid B1/B2 visitor visas before traveling.

The tournament will hold matches in cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, and Monterrey, while the final is scheduled for the New York/New Jersey venue.

FIFA expects millions of supporters, journalists, and tourists to attend the month-long football event.

Nigeria will not participate in the tournament after failing to qualify following defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

However, Nigerian fans and sports writers intending to travel may still apply for US visas under specified conditions despite existing immigration restrictions affecting some countries.

The report revealed that Nigerians remain subject to limited entry measures introduced under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

Although the Federal Government earlier announced diplomatic engagement with Washington over the restrictions, there has been no official update on any policy reversal.

The US government advised travelers to begin visa applications early to avoid delays before the World Cup kicks off.

Officials also introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, which allows eligible ticket holders to secure faster visa interview appointments.

Applicants must complete the DS-160 visa form, upload passport photographs, pay visa fees, and schedule interviews.

Authorities stressed that obtaining a FIFA PASS appointment does not guarantee visa approval, as all applicants must still pass security and eligibility checks.