Sports
Full List: Countries Most And Least Likely To Get US Visa For 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the first edition hosted across three countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada, with countries around the world already considering how easy or difficult it will be for their fans to secure a US visa in time for the tournament.
The U.S. will stage the bulk of the action, hosting 78 of the 104 matches, including the final, in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Seattle.
With millions of fans worldwide preparing to travel for the tournament next June, one big question stands out: Can I get a U.S. tourist visa in time?
The U.S. Department of State recently released updated visa wait time data, showing which countries are most likely—and least likely—to secure a B1/B2 tourist visa before the opening match on June 11, 2026.
READ ALSO:[FULL LIST] 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia Lead Groups
Adding to the challenge, a new policy takes effect on August 20, 2025, requiring B1/B2 travelers from Malawi and Zambia to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 under a pilot program.
What Visa Do Fans Need?
Spectators traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup will generally need a B1/B2 visa, the standard U.S. visitor visa for tourism and short-term travel. This visa allows stays of up to six months, covering trips to matches, tourism, and visits to family or friends.
However, citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries—including most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia—can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
READ ALSO:W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
Countries Most Likely to Get a Visa in Time
Based on current wait times as of August 2025, fans from the following countries are more likely to secure a visa before the tournament if they apply early:
Algeria – 4.5 months
Argentina – < 3 months
Brazil – < 3 months
Cameroon – < 3 months
China – < 3 months
Ecuador (Guayaquil) – 7.5 months
Egypt – < 3 months
El Salvador – < 3 months
Iraq – < 3 months
Jamaica – < 3 months
Jordan – < 3 months
Mali – < 3 months
Mexico (Mexicali) – < 3 months
Mexico (Nogales) – < 3 months
Mexico (Nuevo Laredo) – < 3 months
Morocco – 6 months
Oman – < 3 months
Panama – < 3 months
Paraguay – < 3 months
Saudi Arabia – < 3 months
Senegal – < 3 months
Serbia – < 3 months
Trinidad and Tobago – < 3 months
Tunisia – < 3 months
United Arab Emirates – < 3 months
Uruguay – < 3 months
Uzbekistan – < 3 months
Countries Least Likely to Get a Visa in Time
Fans in the following countries face some of the longest visa wait times, making it harder to secure approval before kickoff:
Ecuador (Quito) – 9 months
Ghana – 9.5 months
Mexico (Matamoros) – 8.5 months
Mexico (Mexico City) – 8.5 months
Mexico (Monterrey) – 10 months
Nigeria (Abuja) – 9.5 months
Peru – 8 months
Sports
EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.
Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.
READ ALSO:EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea
Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.
The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.
With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.
More to follow…
Sports
EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
READ ALSO: EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures
Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.
It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.
The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.
Sports
Edo Sports Commission Boss Charges New Armwrestling Board To Prioritize Accessibility, Sponsorship

Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged members of the newly inaugurated Edo State Armwrestling Association board to embrace openness, accessibility, and proactive engagement with athletes and stakeholders.
Enabulele gave the charge during the board’s inauguration held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The event had in attendance Executive Directors, the Permanent Secretary, and other top officials of the Commission.
In a statement signed by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, the sports commission boss described the inauguration as “a new dawn in our collective journey to strengthen and elevate the standard of sports development in Edo State.”
READ ALSO:Enabulele Lauds Okpehbolo For Creating Enabling Environment For Football To Thrive
He urged the new executives to pursue sponsorships and partnerships that would drive growth and sustain the association’s programmes.
“Financial support is the lifeblood of sports,” Enabulele said.
“Through partnerships and sponsorships, we can provide the resources needed to nurture our athletes and expand our programmes.”
The Chairman also called for approachable leadership, encouraging the board to remain open to athletes, coaches, and stakeholders.
“Your guidance and presence will foster unity, strengthen teamwork, and create a culture of accountability and progress,” he added.
READ ALSO:Enabulele Hails Edo-born Athletes’ International Feats
Enabulele further announced plans to introduce quarterly appraisal sessions between the Commission and sports associations to ensure proper monitoring and measurable progress.
“These sessions will allow us to review achievements, address challenges, and design strategies for continued success,” he explained.
He urged the new board members to carry out their duties with dedication and vision, stressing that their collective efforts would transform Edo sports and inspire the next generation of champions.
In his response, the new Chairman of the Edo Armwrestling Association, Mr. Eromosele Albert, pledged to organize both national and international armwrestling competitions to boost the sport’s visibility and give Edo athletes more exposure.
Albert noted that armwrestling is gaining rapid popularity in the United States and Canada and promised to leverage global trends to enhance the sport’s profile and financial sustainability in Edo State.
He also expressed confidence that Team Edo would perform strongly at the next National Sports Festival, where the sport offers 34 gold medals.
The inauguration ceremony ended with exhibition matches featuring male and female athletes competing in both left and right-hand categories.
Those inaugurated into the board include: Mr. Eromosele Albert (Chairman), Divine Rosemary (Acting Secretary/Coach), Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Mr. Johnson Femi, Mr. Johnny Summers, Mr. Osagie Oghuma Peter, Dr. Benson Ogala, and Mr. Iraoya Olarenwaju.
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