BRUSSELS — As the World Cup excitement builds, a growing number of international soccer fans are facing frustrating hurdles with U.S. visa procedures, preventing some from witnessing the games firsthand.

A Belgian-Moroccan soccer enthusiast shared his ordeal with POLITICO under the condition of anonymity. He had successfully navigated FIFA’s lottery system to secure tickets for the Morocco vs. Brazil match. Everything seemed set with flights booked to New York and an approved entry via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). However, a sudden revocation of his ESTA a week later derailed his plans, with no clear explanation provided.

The fan’s struggles continued as he attempted to apply for a non-immigrant visa. Despite the U.S. State Department initiating an expedited visa process for World Cup attendees, technical glitches with the payment registration on the appointment platform blocked his progress. Attempts to resolve the issue were futile, as calls to the U.S. Embassy were misrouted to an inactive number, leaving him and potentially others in a lurch.

This issue isn’t isolated. Scottish musician Kenny Smith and Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan faced similar setbacks, with abrupt ESTA revocations and denied entries despite their recent and legitimate travel histories to the U.S. These incidents have prompted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to admit the shortcomings of the World Cup visa system, noting it doesn't always function properly for everyone.

On the defense, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin cited security concerns as the rationale behind the stringent visa denials, without specifying if dual nationals were particularly targeted. A Homeland Security spokesperson further stated that an ESTA approval does not guarantee U.S. admission, as applications undergo continuous vetting.

For fans like the Belgian-Moroccan, these visa complications not only prevent attendance but also taint the spirit of the World Cup, which aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds through their shared love for soccer. “The whole experience of a World Cup is intended to bring people together,” he expressed. Instead, he feels the rejection does just the opposite, alienating devoted fans and dampening the festive atmosphere of this global event.