More than half of Uzbek fans were unable to obtain a US visa.

According to a BBC report, citizens of many countries, including Uzbek fans, who wish to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches directly from the stadiums are facing serious obstacles in obtaining visas for the United States and other host nations.

 

According to analyses, more than nearly a quarter of citizens from countries that have qualified for the World Cup are facing travel restrictions or visa denials. In some cases, a large portion of applications are being rejected.

 

The BBC notes that the situation has been further complicated by the strict immigration policies and travel restrictions in place in the United States. This list of restrictions includes countries such as Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, which have qualified for the tournament, making it practically very difficult for their citizens to obtain a US visa.

 

According to data from the US State Department, the visa rejection rate exceeds 40 percent in 11 of the participating countries for the 2026 World Cup. This list includes Uzbekistan, along with Ecuador, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, and a number of African nations.

 

Nevertheless, FIFA has introduced the FIFA Pass system to expedite the visa process for fans. However, experts emphasize that this system does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.

 

US officials explain the strict checks as necessary for ensuring national security and preventing cases of illegal overstaying after the visa expires.

 

Visa-related issues are not limited to the United States. Immigration procedures are also strict in Canada and Mexico, which are among the tournament's host nations.

 

Specifically, the fact that Mexico has no diplomatic mission or embassy in eight participating countries, including Uzbekistan, Iraq, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, is significantly limiting fans' ability to attend the matches.