US Visa Freeze Puts World Cup Travel Plans into Doubt for Millions

The Trump administration has paused immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, throwing into doubt the travel plans of millions of football fans for this summer’s World Cup finals tournament. 

The measures come into effect indefinitely from 21 January and will see immigration applications from countries frozen until further notice, which will be of particular concern for football’s governing body FIFA. 

The United States is due to host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico in June and July, though they will be taking on the bulk of fixtures – with all but two of the ties taking place outside of the States from the Round of 16 stage onwards. 

There are currently 20 nations on that list that have either qualified for the finals tournament or are still in with a chance of sealing qualification at the time of writing, including the likes of Haiti, Morocco and Brazil – all of whom are in Scotland’s group.

North Macedonia is also included in the restrictions. They are in the same bracket as the Republic of Ireland in the upcoming European play-offs and could face the Boys in Green for a finals berth should both sides win their respective semi-finals in March. 

The new rules only apply to immigration applications rather than tourist visas at the moment, though tighter restrictions apply to certain countries. 

Speaking in a statement, the US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Piggott said: "The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.

"Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."

The restrictions are the latest controversy surrounding the World Cup. FIFA has received sustained criticism for the price of ticketing at the tournament – with entry for matches running into the thousands.

FIFA has responded by reducing the prices of a small number of tickets for the most loyal fans involved with official supporters clubs, though there have been reports of thousands of ticket cancellations in recent weeks in protest at the prices. 

Ireland are due to play their play-off semi-final against Czechia on 26 March and fans will be keeping a close eye on developments across the pond, particularly if the Boys in Green pull off qualification.