Colombia in the 2026 World Cup: Visa, costs, and migratory challenges for fans.

Colombia in the 2026 World Cup: A Migratory and Economic Challenge for the Fans

The Colombian National Team is preparing to face the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, facing a schedule that will take its fans to two countries with different immigration systems: Mexico and the United States. This challenge not only involves the logistics of traveling between two nations, but also the management of immigration procedures and associated costs.

Colombia’s debut will be on Wednesday, June 17 against Uzbekistan at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The second match will be played on Tuesday, June 23 against a team from the first repechage at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara. The group stage will culminate on Saturday, June 27 against Portugal at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This last match has been the most requested of the championship, even above the final. The price of tickets for the final ranged between $265 and $700, which is equivalent to almost one and a half times the monthly minimum wage in Colombia.

The Economic Factor: A Costly Journey

The total cost of the trip for Colombian fans, including visa, air tickets, accommodation, and tickets, could range between 4,000 and 6,000 dollars per person, depending on the number of matches and the city of accommodation.

United States and Visa Procedures

The first obstacle for fans of the Colombian national team is obtaining a visa to enter the United States. A B1/B2 tourist and business visa is required, the process of which involves completing a form and paying a consular fee of 185 dollars. Due to high demand, ordinary visa appointments could be scheduled as late as 2027. However, FIFA has enabled the FIFA Pass, a mechanism that allows ticket buyers to access priority appointments for the first half of 2026. This benefit does not increase the cost of the visa nor does it guarantee its approval. Among the main reasons for visa rejection are lack of stable employment, insufficient income, or family ties. Even with tickets to the World Cup, applicants must meet the usual requirements.

Legal Recommendations

It is crucial to carry a physical or digital copy of the visa and registration form, due to the increase in raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The responsibility for proving the legality of the stay lies with the tourist.

Mexico: Valid Passport and Possible Challenges

To enter Mexico, Colombian citizens only need a valid passport. However, in the past, complaints of mistreatment of travelers have been reported. There is a risk of migration profiling for Colombians, especially due to the proximity to the United States. This could result in stricter controls or secondary inspections, even with proper documentation.

Colombians have historically been profiled in Mexico, with cases of detentions and inadmissions, so during the World Cup it will be key to clearly demonstrate the reason for the trip.

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