By Nadia Ntiamoah
With excitement building ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States Embassy in Accra has opened thousands of additional non-immigrant visa appointment slots to accommodate the growing number of Ghanaians planning to travel for the global football showpiece.
The move forms part of broader preparations by U.S. authorities as they anticipate increased international travel linked to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The decision follows the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, a development that has sparked heightened interest among football fans, business travelers, and families hoping to be part of the historic event.
The Black Stars are expected to play matches in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia, making travel arrangements a pressing concern for supporters and officials alike.
Speaking on Citi 97.3 FM on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Matthew Asada, explained that the embassy had taken proactive steps to prevent visa backlogs and delays.
According to him, the U.S. Department of State has deployed about 450 additional consular officers worldwide to help process the expected surge in applications linked to the World Cup.
Asada noted that the newly opened appointment slots in Accra are available almost immediately, with some dates starting as early as the same week.
He stressed that the opportunity is not restricted to football fans alone but applies broadly to all non-immigrant visa categories, including B1 and B2 visas for tourism, business meetings, family visits, and World Cup-related travel.
“These appointments are for any non-immigrant visa travellers,” he explained. “Whether it’s for tourism, attending the World Cup, visiting family, or business purposes, the slots are available to qualified applicants.”
He, however, cautioned applicants to ensure they are well-prepared for their interviews, emphasizing that proper documentation remains critical to a successful visa application.
Applicants are expected to clearly explain the purpose of their travel and provide supporting documents where necessary, whether they are attending football matches, concerts, or professional engagements.
The visa expansion comes against the backdrop of the 2026 World Cup being billed as the largest in FIFA’s history, with an expanded format and matches spread across three countries.
