The US State Department has moved to reassure fans that the World Cup will not be thrown into chaos by Donald Trump's bombshell plan to freeze visa applications for 75 different countries. But those heading to the US need not worry, after the State Department offered new guidance to clarify who would be affected by the president's plan. Fears had initially been raised on Wednesday when the State Department released an internal memo directing consular officers to deny visas from 75 different countries while it reexamined procedures for screening and vetting applicants. 'The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,' State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said. Trump is said to have been briefed in recent days about his options, including strikes on nonmilitary sites in Tehran.

Source: Daily Mail January 16, 2026 18:20 UTC