The White House is to set up a Task Force for the 2026 World Cup
![The White House is to set up a Task Force in an attempt to prevent the 2026 World Cup from being engulfed by visa chaos. Mail Sport has learned that a specialist group will be formed by officials in the US capital amid concerns that players, support staff, and millions of fans may be impacted by red tape.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/26/14/73585567-12337415-The_White_House_is_to_set_up_a_Task_Force_in_an_attempt_to_preve-a-21_1690377009406.jpg)
The White House is to set up a Task Force in an attempt to prevent the 2026 World Cup from being engulfed by visa chaos. Mail Sport has learned that a specialist group will be formed by officials in the US capital amid concerns that players, support staff, and millions of fans may be impacted by red tape.
![It is understood that FIFA bosses are collaborating with their US counterparts for a complex and time-consuming operation. The tournament is being held across three countries - the US, Mexico, and Canada - which complicates the situation. With an expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches instead of the traditional 64, the increased number of participants and matches makes matters even more complex.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/26/14/73584995-12337415-It_is_understood_that_FIFA_bosses_are_collaborating_with_their_U-a-23_1690377014574.jpg)
It is understood that FIFA bosses are collaborating with their US counterparts for a complex and time-consuming operation. The tournament is being held across three countries - the US, Mexico, and Canada - which complicates the situation. With an expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches instead of the traditional 64, the increased number of participants and matches makes matters even more complex.
![Entry to the US is likely to cause the biggest headache, with obtaining a visa being notoriously difficult and time-consuming, especially due to the Covid pandemic's impact. Embassy interviews and extra staff may be required to manage the demand. Special dispensations may be needed for countries whose residents are not permitted to enter.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/26/14/73584985-12337415-Entry_to_the_US_is_likely_to_cause_the_biggest_headache_with_obt-a-22_1690377011116.jpg)
Entry to the US is likely to cause the biggest headache, with obtaining a visa being notoriously difficult and time-consuming, especially due to the Covid pandemic's impact. Embassy interviews and extra staff may be required to manage the demand. Special dispensations may be needed for countries whose residents are not permitted to enter.
![There are concerns that some may attempt to enter the US illegally during the World Cup. It is speculated that the US might adopt a similar approach to Russia's 2018 World Cup, where ticket holders were issued a 'Fan-ID' acting as a multi-entry visa. A specialized visa for the tournament is unlikely due to legislative requirements. Canada and Mexico's existing travel systems for US visa holders are expected to play a role in planning. The White House has not commented on the matter. Read the full story:https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12334947/2026-World-Cup-Task-Force-White-House.html?ito=msngallery](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/26/14/73584993-12337415-There_are_concerns_that_some_may_attempt_to_enter_the_US_illegal-a-24_1690377015772.jpg)
There are concerns that some may attempt to enter the US illegally during the World Cup. It is speculated that the US might adopt a similar approach to Russia's 2018 World Cup, where ticket holders were issued a 'Fan-ID' acting as a multi-entry visa. A specialized visa for the tournament is unlikely due to legislative requirements. Canada and Mexico's existing travel systems for US visa holders are expected to play a role in planning. The White House has not commented on the matter. Read the full story:https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12334947/2026-World-Cup-Task-Force-White-House.html?ito=msngallery
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