Moroccan Fans Frozen Out of the 2026 World Cup After Mass US Visa Refusals
BBC analysis found visa rejection rates above 40% for fans from 11 qualified countries as U.S. interview rules and restrictions block travel.
- As the 2026 World Cup begins, football fans from Iraq, Jordan, and Morocco face widespread United States visa denials, preventing loyal supporters from attending matches in US cities this month.
- Strict US immigration policies and security concerns have driven high rejection rates; citizens from 11 of the 48 qualified nations face refusal rates exceeding 40%.
- Moroccan fan group The Sbouaa saw 40 of its 42 visa applicants rejected, leaving members stranded with non-refundable expenses; many received no explanation despite established travel histories.
- Describing the restrictions as 'a form of segregation,' Julien Kouadio Adonis of the Ivory Coast's fan association noted no European country faces such hurdles.
- Supporters have called on FIFA to acknowledge the issue and advocate on their behalf, though many face the prospect of missing the tournament entirely.
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11 Articles
When Iraq's football team qualified for the World Championship at the end of March, Abdullah Adnan bought tickets for his country's matches against Norway and France, which will take place this month in American cities Boston and Philadelphia, writes BBC.
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milletnews.comAmnesty warns US travel curbs could prevent thousands of fans from attending 2026 World Cup
'Instead of cheering from the stands, many are facing travel bans, visa denials, and threats of aggressive immigration enforcement from the US,' rights group says
With loud drumming and captivating rhythms, the supporters of Senegal, clad in green, yellow, and red, add color to every tournament. But for the upcoming World Cup, Senegal risks having to do without the support of its fanatical fanbase. Due to strict American visa regulations, many fans are unable to enter the US. The Trump administration's immigration policy has made it difficult, if not impossible, for supporters from African countries to at…
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