BBC: The United States will open a visa green channel for 2026 World Cup ticket holders

November 19 According to BBC reports, the United States has confirmed that it will open a green channel for visas for ticket holders of the 2026 World Cup to alleviate the one-year waiting period for visa interviews in some countries.

It is understood that ticket-holding fans can get an interview opportunity at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within 6 to 8 weeks after submitting their visa application. This is a big plus for non-Canadian residents in Colombia, Mexico, and Toronto.

Although an expedited channel has been opened, "tickets are not equal to visas" and travel permits will not be automatically obtained. All applicants must still pass the same strict background checks as other applicants, and the only convenience is to "shorten the queue time."

The BBC also pointed out a potential contradiction: It is not clear whether the new policy applies to citizens of countries included in the US travel ban. Citizens of 12 countries, including Iran, which has qualified for the World Cup, are banned from entering. Although the decree exempts participating athletes and coaches, Iranian fans may still not be able to enjoy this convenience.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino predicts that there will be about 10 million tourists visiting the United States for the game. Citizens of the UK, Japan, Australia and other visa-free program member states can still enjoy the 90-day visa-free treatment without applying through this system.