US will increase staffing at embassies and consulates to handle visas for World Cup fans

The State Department will increase staffing at certain U.S. embassies and consulates to accommodate an expected major jump in visa applications from soccer fans wanting to attend World Cup matches in the United States next year. The number of staffers and the countries where they will go have yet to be determined because the 48-team field for the 2026 World Cup has not been finalized. The new visa policies have already seen the deportations of numerous foreigners deemed to have engaged in activity or speech that the Republican administration says run counter to its positions.