In a move that could profoundly impact Kenyan football fans, the United States government has urged prospective travellers to begin their visa applications immediately, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, embassies and consulates globally are now accepting and processing visa requests from foreign nationals hoping to attend the tournament.
The department emphasised that “foreign travellers … who need a U.S. visa should apply now.” Officials say consular teams are working “diligently … to ensure an efficient, smooth, and effective visa process that protects America’s security.”
The advisory arrives in the wake of assurances by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
During a recent meeting with Kenya’s President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi, Infantino said fans should not worry about U.S. travel restrictions, underlining that “everyone will be welcome” for the tournament.
The upcoming World Cup, slated for June–July 2026, will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
But there is a catch: the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has reminded applicants that visa forms now require disclosure of social media handles from the past five years.
As noted in the embassy’s own announcements, failure to provide accurate information could lead to visa denial and even future ineligibility.
