The United States has announced a significant easing of its visa policies aimed at facilitating smoother travel for fans, teams, and officials attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

According to officials, the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security are implementing streamlined visa processing procedures, including expanded interview waivers, increased visa issuance capacity at key consulates, and dedicated application channels for World Cup-related travel. The measures are designed to handle the expected surge in international visitors while maintaining security standards.

“This World Cup represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase American hospitality,” a senior administration official said. “By reducing administrative hurdles, we’re making it easier for genuine fans and participants from around the world to experience the event without unnecessary delays.”

The 2026 tournament, set to run from June to July 2026, is anticipated to draw millions of visitors to the United States across 11 host cities. FIFA has projected it could be the most attended World Cup in history.

The policy adjustments come amid ongoing discussions about balancing tourism promotion with border security concerns. Similar facilitations were used successfully during previous major sporting events hosted by the U.S.

Travel industry groups and soccer federations have welcomed the announcement, noting that visa wait times have been a point of concern for fans from certain regions. Applications for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and other relevant categories are expected to see faster processing for those providing proof of World Cup tickets, accommodations, or official accreditation.

Further details on specific countries eligible for expanded visa waiver benefits or exact processing timelines are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

The approval was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

According to the federation, President Tinubu approved the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, following a high-level meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Those present at the meeting included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau; former NFF President and Special Adviser to the CAF President, Amaju Pinnick; and CAF Acting General Secretary, Samson Adamu.

The NFF disclosed that the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold in October 2026 and will attract leading football administrators and stakeholders from across the African continent.

The CAF Ordinary General Assembly is one of the most significant football governance meetings in Africa, bringing together presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, representatives of the six zonal football unions and key football decision-makers across the continent.

The CAF Awards ceremony, regarded as African football’s biggest annual awards event, celebrates outstanding players, coaches, teams and football administrators who have distinguished themselves over the year.

Nigeria’s successful bid to host the prestigious events is expected to further strengthen the country’s profile as a major destination for continental football administration and international sporting events.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2026 WTT Contender Lagos, Adesoji Tayo, has promised players and fans an unforgettable experience when the tournament serves off from May 19 to 24 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Top table tennis nations including Japan, South Korea, Germany and France will headline the elite field expected at the tournament, which is one of the 10 WTT Contender Series events scheduled for 2026.

Players from Denmark, the USA, India, Portugal, Romania, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Belgium, Canada, Togo, the Netherlands, Ghana, Wales, Egypt, Italy, Chile, Slovenia and hosts Nigeria are also expected to compete for the $100,000 prize purse.

Tayo reaffirmed Lagos’ readiness to host one of the biggest events on the World Table Tennis calendar, insisting that the city would once again deliver a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and spectators.

According to Tayo, the tournament has continued to establish itself as a major showcase for elite table tennis on the continent while boosting Nigeria’s image on the global sporting stage.

“We are excited to host this prestigious event, one that not only highlights elite table tennis in Africa and beyond but also underscores Nigeria’s growing influence on the global sporting stage. Coming on the heels of the centenary anniversary of table tennis in London, Lagos is proud to welcome athletes eager to compete with passion and precision,” he added.