US Govt Sends Urgent Message To Kenyans Planning To Travel For 2026 World Cup
The announcement comes just days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino met President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Kenyans intending to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup can now apply for visas following the official launch of the application process by the U.S. government.
On Tuesday evening, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that its embassies and consulates worldwide have begun accepting and processing visa applications from fans planning to attend the tournament.
"Foreign travellers planning to attend a 2026 World Cup match in the United States who need a U.S. visa should apply now.
"Our embassies and consulates are working diligently to ensure an efficient, smooth, and effective visa process that protects America’s security," the department said.
President William Ruto speaking with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at State House, Nairobi on Saturday, August 30, 2025. /PCS
The announcement comes just days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino met President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where he assured Kenyan fans that U.S. travel restrictions under President Donald Trump’s administration would not hinder access to the World Cup.
Infantino’s pledge, coupled with Washington’s confirmation, has given fresh hope to thousands of Kenyan football enthusiasts eager to witness the expanded 2026 tournament, which will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—the largest World Cup in history.
Kenya has recently drawn global praise for successfully hosting the 2024 CHAN tournament, which saw record crowds at Kasarani Stadium cheering the Harambee Stars.
The country is also preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under the East Africa Pamoja bid.
The U.S. announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of visa applications as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal entry.
In August, Trump’s administration confirmed that most non-immigrant visa applicants—except for a few categories—must still attend in-person interviews, including minors under 14 and applicants above 79.
Applicants are also required to provide accurate details in their forms, including email addresses, telephone numbers, and all social media usernames used within the past five years.
In a July 25 notice, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi warned that failure to disclose this information truthfully could result in visa denial and possible ineligibility for future applications.
