The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and fans worldwide are already gearing up for the exciting moments.
This is going to be the first time in the last 32 years, the United States has played host to the FIFA World Cup, and this time, it will not only be hosted in the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be hosted in Canada, and Mexico alongside the United States of America, presenting a lifetime opportunity for football and non-football fans including Africans to visit, and relocate to any of these host countries with ease.
Despite issuing over 11 million visas in 2024, the United States, for the first time in so many years, will be reducing its visa appointment time and stringent requirements for a visit visa.
If you are an African living in any of the 54 African nations, this is your chance to travel to the United States with ease.
In this article, we will share with you the step-by-step guide to how to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup from any country in Africa.
Step 1 – Determine Your Eligibility
If you are a dual citizen of the United States and any African nation, you do not have to apply for a visit visa to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Africans who are not citizens or with a permanent resident card of the United States will need a non-immigrant visa with at least 6 months of passport validity before and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Step 2 – Apply for a US Visit Visa
To visit the United States as an African, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa which falls under the category, B1/B2 or F1.
This can be easily done online by visiting the US. Department of State’s official website, filling out the application form (DS-160) and paying the application fee.
Lastly, you will be scheduled for an interview date which takes 90 days to 180 days for a first-time visit visa but due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the waiting time will be minimal but it is best advised to apply on time.
Step 3 – Required Documents for the Visa Interview
- Passport with at least 6 months validity from the intended stay during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Completed DS-160 application form from the US. Department of State’s official website
- A payment receipt for the application fee
- Proof of funds to cover your stay during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is advised to have sufficient proof of funds.
- Proof of strong ties with your home country (Businesses, investments, family, cultural positions). This is done to ensure there is a high chance you will come back after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup match tickets and
- accommodation bookings in any of the 11 states that will be hosting the games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Step 4- Visa Interview
The consular officer who is a diplomat or United States service officer will decide whether to grant your visit visa request or deny it based on the supporting documents presented by you during the interview.
You are expected to arrive on time before the interview starts and your visa grant request will be on how best you could convince the consular officer.
Congratulation!!! If your visa is approved.
Step 5 – Arrival
Ensure to purchase travel insurance and also register with your country’s embassy, consulate, or travel advisory program on arrival to the United States.
The travel insurance should cover any health emergencies, or trip emergencies such as delays, interruptions, cancellations, or stolen luggage during your stay.
You should ensure to live in hotels or accommodation in the cities where the games will be hosted.
Also, ensure to buy at least a match ticket through FIFA channels or authorized resellers.
States and Stadiums Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US
- New York City (NYC) and New Jersey (NJ): Metlife Stadium
- Atlanta, Georgia: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Boston, Massachusetts: Gillette Stadium
- Dallas, Texas: AT&T Stadium
- Miami, Florida: Hard Rock Stadium
- Kansas City, Missouri: Arrowhead Stadium
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lincoln Financial Field
- San Francisco, California: Levi’s Stadium
- Seattle Washington: Lumen Field
- Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium
- Los Angeles, California: Sofi Stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be hosted in the United States, is an opportunity for anyone who has dreamed of traveling to the United States.