There are strict new rules on who is allowed into the United States
Thousands of people planning to go from the UK to the USA next year have been warned they could be turned away. As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America, travel experts are warning that thousands of football fans from the UK and Europe could be refused entry to the United States due to tightening visa checks, social media screening, and renewed border policies under Donald Trump’s presidency.
According to Jessie Chambers from Global Work & Travel, the US is already seeing increased scrutiny for international visitors — a situation that could spell trouble for football fans travelling to matches in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and beyond. “We’re already seeing people being refused entry for things as small as old tweets, minor criminal records, or incorrect ESTA answers,” said Chambers.
“With Trump’s administration reinstating stricter entry rules, fans need to treat this World Cup as a high-risk travel event — not a holiday you can book last minute.”
Social Media Screening Is Now Routine. Since 2025, US border agents can review social media activity linked to a traveller’s visa application.
“Offensive posts, political content, or even jokes about security or drugs can raise red flags,” Chambers said. “It’s not about censorship — it’s about perception. The US wants to know exactly who’s entering during such a major global event.”
Even historic, minor offences (like disorderly conduct or driving bans) can cause visa issues under US “moral character” clauses. Travellers are urged to apply for B-1/B-2 visas early if they’ve ever been arrested or charged, as an ESTA may be automatically denied.
The new administration has promised “zero tolerance” on visa overstays and background mismatches. Border officials now have more power to question and refuse travellers — even if their visa is technically valid.
With over 400-day wait times for visa interviews in some European embassies, fans from Spain, France, and beyond could miss the start of the tournament if they don’t apply early.
Citizens of certain nations — or those with dual nationality links to countries under U.S. travel restrictions — may need additional waivers, which can take months to process.
Global Work & Travel has seen a spike in visa support queries since the World Cup host cities were confirmed. Jessie Chambers said: “We’re telling fans to treat visa prep like match prep — the earlier you start, the less likely you’ll get caught offside by the rules. Some people think the ESTA is guaranteed, but even one wrong tick box can see you turned back at the gate.”
Top Tips for Fans Travelling to the 2026 World Cup
- Apply now – if you need a US visa, start the process 12+ months ahead.
- Clean your digital footprint – delete or lock down social media posts that could be seen as controversial.
- Check your criminal record – even if your conviction is spent, it may still count in U. immigration checks.
- Avoid “backdoor” routes – travelling via Canada or Mexico won’t guarantee US entry.
- Get proof of ties to home – evidence of job, home, or return flights helps prove you won’t overstay.
With eleven US host cities expecting millions of international visitors, the World Cup is set to be America’s biggest tourism event in decades.
However, the US Travel Association has already warned that visa backlogs and tough screening could cost the country billions in lost tourism spend if fans from Europe and South America are deterred.
Chambers said: “It’s not just about the match tickets — it’s about the welcome. For many football fans, this will be their first trip to America. They deserve clarity, not confusion.”