The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has taken significant steps to facilitate the entry of international fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by streamlining visa approvals. Starting the fiscal year 2026, which began in October 2025, the agency has already approved more than one million ESTA authorizations for travelers from countries that qualified for the tournament. This impressive figure highlights not only the enthusiasm of international fans for the upcoming event but also the proactive measures being implemented by US authorities to manage the expected influx of visitors effectively.

Among the countries with the highest number of approved applications, the United Kingdom leads with over 425,000 approvals, followed by France with more than 215,000, Germany with over 190,000, Japan close to 180,000, and South Korea rounding out the top five with over 135,000 approvals. These statistics underscore the global interest in the tournament and indicate that many fans are eager to secure their travel arrangements well in advance to avoid potential last-minute issues. The swift processing by CBP reflects a commitment to provide a safe and efficient travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.

As the tournament approaches, the US government’s emphasis on expedited visa approvals can be seen as a critical component of its strategy to ensure a seamless experience for fans attending the World Cup. With the event bringing millions of visitors to the United States, the measures taken now will likely have a lasting impact on the country's capacity to handle large-scale events in the future. This not only sets a precedent for future sporting events but also signals a positive message regarding US hospitality and readiness to welcome visitors from around the world.