World Cup
US may bolster consular services, employ AI to meet World Cup visa demand
The Trump administration is considering putting consular officers on double shifts and employing artificial intelligence to surge processing of visas ahead of the World Cup next year, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday.
Travel groups have raised concerns that wait times mean fans from some of the 48 nations set to compete will not be able to secure a U.S. visa before the FIFA tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada, kicks off in June 2026.
Trump’s immigration stance has further sparked fears of travel problems for those hoping to attend the soccer tournament, who could include nationals of U.S. adversaries like Iran, one of a handful of countries to already qualify.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on U.S. President Donald Trump’s State Department budget request for the Department of State, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
The U.S. is also hosting a soccer Club World Cup starting next month and Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympics.
Asked how the State Department would meet demand for visas amid cuts to its budget, Rubio said during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing that the consular affairs bureau that processes visas may in fact be expanded.
Foreign service officers could be reassigned so that some embassies and consulates could operate 24 hours to process more visas, Rubio added
“If you haven’t applied for a visa from Colombia already, you probably won’t get here in time for the World Cup, unless we go to double shifts,” Rubio said.
The wait time for Colombians to get a U.S. tourist visa is currently 398 days, according to the Bogota embassy’s website.
Rubio added they were looking at ways of using AI and technology to speed up processing, particularly for people who have had visas in the past.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, an ally of Trump, has promised that international fans will be welcome at the World Cup, although U.S. Vice President JD Vance has warned that visitors must “go home” after attending matches.
Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, will serve as executive director of the presidential task force for the 2026 World Cup.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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