FIFA World Cup 2026: Six Months Is Enough for 2026 World Cup Stay – US Embassy.
Rolf Olson, the Chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, has cautioned Ghanaians planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup to strictly respect U.S. immigration laws.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, Rolf Olson addressed Ghanaians in a press conference at the Embassy, condemning overstaying their visas as a serious violation with far-reaching implications.
Ghana’s Black Stars will compete in Group L of the World Cup alongside the Three Lions of England, the Fiery Ones of Croatia, and the Canal Men of Panama.
Ghana will play against Panama at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, and play against England at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, USA and wrap up their last game in the group stages at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, all their matches at the tournament will be in North America across Canada and the United States of America.
Mr Olson said that Customs and Border Protection officers would determine the length of stay granted to each visitor upon arrival in the United States, which he emphasised was the standard period for a B visa, which supporters would need to apply for, generally six months.
“For a B visa, the standard generally is six months, but it’s not automatic. So, it is incumbent upon the amount of time that the CBP officer gives you. If they give you 90 days, you have 90 days. You have three months.”
The Charge d’Affaires stressed that Ghanaians must respect US immigration laws and regulations, including adhering strictly to the terms of their visas.
“If you’re given six months, you have six months, which is a long time. I think we can all agree that six months is enough time to watch the World Cup matches, spend time with friends, go on vacation if you want to, and still return. However, the consular officer can limit the validity of a visa. It is in their power to do that. There is no automatic five-year multiple entry.”
