The FIFA World Cup is set to arrive in North America in 2026, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico hosting the world’s most anticipated soccer (or football, depending on where you’re from) tournament. For the United States, this means welcoming not only top athletes and team personnel from around the globe, but also millions of international tourists eager to experience the thrill of soccer’s pinnacle. However, properly navigating U.S. immigration laws is crucial for anyone traveling to the U.S. for the tournament, as the right visas and entry permissions are mandatory.
Visa Requirements for Athletes and Team Personnel
Professional athletes and key team personnel, such as coaches and trainers, will generally require a P-1 visa to compete or work during the World Cup. This visa is specifically for internationally recognized athletes and their support staff who are essential to their performance. Some individuals may qualify for an O-1 visa, which is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field. Team officials, broadcasters, and other critical personnel may need different types of visas, such the B-1 visa for business-related activities. Ensuring a timely application is essential, as these visas often require significant documentation and can take longer than expected to process.
Entry Options for Fans and Tourists
Most tourists traveling to the United States for the World Cup will need either a B-2 tourist visa or, if eligible, they may be travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). However, many countries are facing significant backlogs in processing B-2 visa applications, making early planning crucial to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Inadmissibility Concerns and the Applicable Waiver
Some individuals may be considered “inadmissible” to the United States due to past immigration violations, criminal records, or other reasons under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In such cases, a 212(d)(3) waiver can provide a solution, allowing inadmissible travelers to temporarily enter the United States by granting a “waiver” of their previous issues. In other words, if an athlete has a prior criminal history, they may need not only to apply for the appropriate visa, but also seek a waiver to overcome their inadmissibility to the United States.
U.S. immigration law is highly complex and multifaceted, so applicants should not assume that minor criminal offenses, such as those resulting in small fines, or even small past immigration violations, will be overlooked by Department of State officials. In many cases, the best course of action is to apply for a 212(d)(3) waiver, which can help resolve issues related to inadmissibility.
To apply for a 212(d)(3) waiver, applicants must pass a three-factor test, established in the Board of Immigration Appeal’s (BIA) decision in Matter of Hranka, 16 I&N Dec. 491 (BIA 1978). The three factors immigration authorities consider in adjudicating the waiver application are (1) the risk of harm to U.S. society if the Applicant is admitted to the United States; (2) the seriousness of the Applicant’s immigration violation or criminal history; and (3) the Applicant’s purpose for entering the United States.
As such, anyone requiring a 212(d)(3) waiver will need to demonstrate compelling reasons for their entry, such as competing in the World Cup, and show that their presence will not jeopardize U.S. interests.
For visa holders, the 212(d)(3) waiver is requested through a U.S. consulate or embassy as part of the visa application process. For travelers using ESTA, the waiver must be requested at a U.S. port of entry or in advance through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Since the waiver process is discretionary, providing robust supporting documentation—such as proof of event tickets or a detailed travel itinerary—can increase the likelihood of approval. Regardless, it’s always advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the application process and ensure all requirements are met. Their expertise can help navigate any complexities and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Whether you’re a star athlete, a team coach, or a devoted fan, planning ahead and understanding these requirements is crucial to ensuring a smooth journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or anything else related to U.S.-bound immigration law, please visit Wildes & Weinberg’s website, www.wildeslaw.com or contact josh@wildeslaw.com.
Our Firm
Wildes & Weinberg P.C., perhaps the United States’ premier law firm concentrating in the immigration and nationality field, was established by Leon Wildes, in 1960, who is best known for his successful representation of John Lennon in his immigration deportation proceedings. Leon’s son, Michael Wildes, is now the firm’s Managing Partner and a Former Federal Prosecutor, as well as the Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey. His representation has included soccer icon Pele, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, renowned chef Jean Georges, singer-songwriter Boy George, and many more. Still, the firm treats all their clients with the same respect and fights for their rights with tenacity, scholarship, and experience, regardless of their notoriety.
Over the past 60+ years, the firm has concentrated their practice in all aspects of U.S. immigration and nationality law, servicing the immigration needs of prominent American and International firms, banks, industrial, financial, and manufacturing concerns, and law firms in connection with the personnel needs of their foreign national employees, including massive corporations with thousands of employees. In addition, they have a distinguished clientele and have done substantial immigration work for performing artists, influencers, directors, writers, models, actors, athletes, esports professionals, fine artists, art dealers, curators, streamers, and literary agents.
Despite difficulties currently being encountered in dealing with U.S. immigration authorities, we have maintained an extraordinary track record for success in our cases. In addition, our entire staff is known for its experience and special expertise in processing each foreign national’s case with nothing less than the highest level of professionalism. Although we are based out of New York City, we also have offices in Miami, New Jersey, and by appointment only in Los Angeles and Tel Aviv, Israel, and together with our multilingual and experienced staff, we represent clients throughout our great nation and the entire world.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact an attorney.
By Joshua Mitson, Esq. and Josh Wildes, Esq.