FIFA World Cup '26: News & Analysis

It seems to be the same schedule they released back in February and then again in July (with knockout match assignments for each group).

 

That is an American thing. Even if TM is the underlying engine, FIFA has always operated and charged as a Swiss company (which they are) who have strict anti fee/gouging/tax laws.

 

I plan to visit US for the world cup. Is it too early to apply for the US visa now? Appointment wait time for the US visa interview is 110 days in Doha.

 

Do you have ESTA?

https://qa.usembassy.gov/visas/

 

ESTA is applicable for Qatari Citizens and I am not.

 

What citizenship are you?
What visa are you applying for?

Validity period is here

 

Indian, and category is B1/B2

 

So according to that link they are valid for 120 months.

 

yes

Yes, its 10 years multi entry visa. But I am wondering whether it is too early to apply now.

 

I suggest you wait especially if it's for the WC. Get your proof of accommodation and game tickets, flights etc before applying.

 

I don't understand why you would think it's too early.

 

So you think it is right time to apply?

 

If i wait for all these, I think it will be too late.

 

The US State Department recommends that you do not book your travel before applying for a B1/B2 visa. From this page:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html/visa

"There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa."

It's a ten year visa that is not intended to be tied to a specific trip. Some of the key factors are demonstrating that you can afford the costs of travel, and that you have sufficient ties to your country of citizenship and/or residence that you will return there without overstaying the visa.

I would say that if you want the visa, applying for it now makes sense.

Always check with official sources and don't rely on internet posts such as this one for accurate information.

 

So, do you think you can obtain a visa to the US regardless of the World Cup? What the US cares about is that you have the funds to support yourself as well as reasons to travel home. The World Cup will not change either of those factors, so apply now would be my recommendation.

 

Yes, I think so. I have stable job here in Doha and no reason not to return back to Doha. Thanks.

 

Just some other things to think about. Do you own property in Doha? Married and/or kids?

 

No property in Doha but in India. Married and kids are studying in India.

 

As long as you have ties outside the US it shouldn't be a problem. It may take a while and be frustrating but it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Presumably because it was a Safety and Security Information Workshop.

 

Colombia lost their first qualifier of the cycle. Tip my cap to Bolivia winning despite being down a man.

Bolivia is really going to make things very interesting. They are definitely favored now over Venezuela in my book to qualify.
Would be kind of funny if they make it back to the USA for another World Cup.

 

i watched the march and man Bolivia was impressive.

they were down to 10 after 22 minutes and had most of the match before that exclusion.

Jhon Corsoba subbed in and missed 3 sitters.

So i expect Bolivia to finish above Peru and Chile and the it is a for horse race between Bolivia, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela with Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay being in the save places for me.

 

Yeah, i don't want to get carried away with judging Bolivia after a home match, but I would have bet good money on them losing after that red card. So, that was impressive. It seems playing at this new stadium in Al Alto is paying it's dividends.

Still though .. good chance they get spanked on Tuesday and find themselves back in 7th.

 

they played close to the moon