Why Getting A US Visa For The 2026 World Cup Could Be A Tough Game For South Africans

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, but for many football fans, the excitement is being overshadowed by a growing sense of political tension. Instead of talking tactics and star players, the world is debating travel bans, visa pauses and whether global sport can survive this political storm.

And for South Africans dreaming of cheering on Bafana Bafana under the bright lights of Atlanta in June, the message from experts is simple: brace yourself.

A Tournament Overshadowed By Politics

The United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing to co-host the biggest World Cup in history. But much of the attention has shifted away from football and onto Washington, where President Donald Trump’s travel policies have rattled qualifying nations.

Journalist Mike Wills, writing in the Daily Maverick, argues that Trump views the mega-tournament as something he is personally hosting, rather than an American responsibility. His tightening of immigration procedures has already placed more than a dozen qualifying nations on an indefinite pause for immigrant visa processing.

It is this environment that has sparked calls from segments of the global football community for fans and even teams to consider sitting the tournament out.

Earlier reports suggested that as many as 17,000 tickets were cancelled overnight following news of the visa freeze. While the figure remains unconfirmed, it shows the level of discomfort swirling around the event.

Sport Meets Geopolitics

This isn’t the first time the World Cup has crossed into political territory, but the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of its most politically charged. Wills suggests that both the tournament and the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics risk becoming political trophies rather than neutral sporting celebrations.

He believes the World Cup will still go ahead as planned and that widespread boycotts remain unlikely. But the path to the opening whistle looks increasingly uneven, especially with ongoing public disputes between Trump and his co-hosts.

What This Means For South African Fans

For South Africans, the biggest concern is the simple act of trying to get a US visa. Even in ordinary times, US visa appointments for SA passport holders can involve long waits, intense documentation and unpredictable processing times. But under the current political climate, Wills warns that securing one may be even more challenging.

His message is blunt: if you’re hoping to watch Bafana Bafana face their group opponents in Atlanta on 18 June, don’t hold your breath.

South Africans aren’t on the list of countries affected by the immigrant visa pause, but the wider tightening of US travel policy means longer queues, stricter checks and a high probability of delays.

A Passionate Nation Watches And Waits

South Africa has waited years to see its national team return to one of the biggest stages in world sport. For many, the dream of being there in person is part of the magic. But with shifting geopolitics, tightened borders and rising uncertainty, fans might find themselves supporting from home rather than the stands.

While experts like Wills believe the World Cup will ultimately proceed smoothly, he is clear on one thing: for South Africans hoping to travel, the visa process may be the toughest match of all.

{Source:EWN}

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