The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, 11 of which are in the United States. The United States is hosting tourists from all over the world, primarily in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey/New York, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle, where the games are slated to take place.
As international travelers head to the U.S, it is extremely important to be aware of the current immigration enforcement environment and to be prepared with the necessary documents and visas. As an extra precaution, it may be necessary to consult a United States immigration attorney to ensure that unique factors surrounding your immigration status do not pose any additional risks to your travel and stay.
What is Amnesty International’s 2026 World Cup Travel Advisory?
On April 23, 2026, international human rights NGO Amnesty International released a 2026 World Cup Travel Advisory to help international travelers prepare in light of the Trump administration’s intense immigration crackdown.
Amnesty International’s advisory identifies several aspects of the United States’ current immigration enforcement that may result in noncitizens being subject to treatment that risks violating human rights obligations under the United States’ domestic law and international law. The specific areas can be found below:
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- Non-citizens, even those with prior authorization from the United States government, may be subject to unreasonable denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention, and/or deportation. A visa does not guarantee entry, and officials do retain broad discretion at ports to admit, detain, or deny admission.
- The Trump Administration expanded its restrictions and limitations on travel and entry to the United States, with travel bans now affecting about 40 countries.
- Social media screenings have become more invasive. The Department of Homeland Security claims the general ability to search electronic devices at ports of entry to determine admission into the United States. The Trump administration had recently instituted social media screenings for student visas and non-immigrant work applications.
- The Trump administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and large militarized federal forces to several cities across the country, including Los Angeles, which will be hosting World Cup games.
- There has been increased surveillance and suppression of speech and protest. Protesters, using their right to protected speech, have been intimidated, harassed, and had force used against them by law enforcement.
- Individuals in immigration detention facilities or custody may face risks of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and, in some cases, death.
ICE’s Presence at the FIFA World Cup
ICE officials will reportedly be actively present at the World Cup matches in the United States. Similarly to other large events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Super Bowl, ICE offered to assist local law enforcement by providing additional support and extra security. ICE officers stated that they will not check the immigration status of spectators or employees and have shared with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna that civil immigration enforcement will not take place. However, many remain concerned that ICE’s presence may signal the possibility of immigration enforcement actions.
Significantly, ICE has not been explicitly prohibited from making arrests at the stadiums or related World Cup events. Many fear this could impact undocumented citizens in major host and tourist cities.
The potential presence of ICE raises concerns from immigration advocacy and civil liberties organizations, who stressed that ICE’s presence could make spectators avoid the games as they would fear being targeted for arrest.
United States Tourism Visas for World Cup Travel
Necessary visas for travelers entering the U.S. depend on their country of residence. Most foreign travelers either enter under the Visa Waiver Program by obtaining an ESTA or apply for a B-2 visitor visa for tourism purposes.
Notably, the Trump Administration has implemented a travel ban for nearly 40 countries. Residents from these countries cannot apply for ESTA and are generally barred from applying for B-2 visas. However, there are a few standard exceptions for green card holders, as well as athletes and staff attending major sporting events.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is made up of 42 countries (a full list can be found here), and allows citizens from those respective countries to visit the United States, whether for tourism or business purposes, for up to 90 days without a visa; however, travelers must provide an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that has been approved before traveling to the United States. It is strongly recommended to apply for an ESTA when the trip is decided to avoid delays. An ESTA is a completely automated electronic system used to screen passengers before they travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It is generally valid for two years and allows multiple entries.
It is important to note that the Visa Waiver Program does not guarantee entry for travelers. Travelers can be denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and must be able to show proof of their departure.
B-2 Visa
B-2 visas, or tourist visas, are designed for individuals coming to the United States to participate in activities that are recreational in nature, including but not limited to:
- Tourism
- Vacations
- Sports
- Musical events
- Medical purposes
- Visits with family and/or friends
It is necessary to note that these visas are not intended for work, employment, or educational purposes. Also, not all foreign nationals are eligible for the B-2 visa.
The B-2 visa application process requires completion of an online application and an interview (generally required for first-time applicants and those with limited expectations). B-2 visas are valid for 10 years, allowing individuals to re-enter and stay in the United States without reapplying. However, each stay is generally limited to six months, subject to approval by U.S. immigration officials at the port of entry. B-2 visa holders should be mindful that traveling to the United States too often may be perceived as a visitor residing in the United States. These visas also do not guarantee entry into the United States.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Enforcement on World Cup Noncitizen Players and Staff
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry for nationals from 19 countries. On December 16, 2025, he issued a second proclamation expanding these restrictions to nationals from 39 countries. Both proclamations state exceptions and generally allow entry for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State.”
Four countries on Trump’s ban are playing in the World Cup: Iran, Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal. Although FIFA teams and athletes are generally exempt from the strict travel restrictions, they may still encounter difficulties. For example, Iran is not permitted to stay in the United States. Therefore, the team is based in Tijuana, Mexico, and must travel by bus or plane into the United States on match days. The players, coaches, and essential staff of Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal are permitted to stay in the US, but there are substantial restrictions for ordinary citizens and fans.
Additionally, on June 9, 2026, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was refused entry into the United States. Artan endured an eleven-hour immigration interview, was moved into a separate holding cell, and was then placed on a return flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Artan shared that he provided the necessary and correct forms needed for entry to the United States, but was ultimately denied. U.S. immigration authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the basis for the denial of entry. However, observers have speculated it may be because of Somalia’s inclusion on the Trump administration’s travel ban. FIFA stated that Artan’s ban will be upheld, as the host government determines who receives a visa and is admitted to the country.
Traveling Safely to the United States as a Foreign National
For foreign nationals traveling to the United States, there are a variety of ways to prepare and safeguard your rights and well-being.
- Inform your loved ones, friends, family, and/or trusted individuals of your travel plans, such as the dates you are entering and departing the United States, and where you are staying. TSA has shared traveler records and passenger data with ICE in the past, so it is important to inform your loved ones of your travel plans so they can monitor for potential issues or unexpected developments.
- Secure your electronic devices by removing facial recognition or fingerprint passwords to protect your privacy. Border security has the legal authority to temporarily seize and search individuals’ phones.
- Prepare the essential documents and visas needed to enter the United States, including applying for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a B-2 visa.
Contact a Los Angeles Immigration Attorney Today
Reeves Immigration Law Group understands that this is a complicated and frightening time to travel to the United States, and the answers do not always seem clear. Our team of skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced United States immigration attorneys is here to help you acquire the resources you need and to help prepare you to travel safely.
For over 40 years, our team of Los Angeles immigration attorneys has been dedicated to practicing immigration and nationality law. We remain committed to providing effective legal representation for our local and international immigration communities. With legislation rapidly changing, we encourage you to contact our immigration attorneys today for personalized legal guidance and proactive planning.
