US Expands Casablanca Consulate Staff as Visa Demand Rises Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Rabat – The US has reinforced consular staffing at its Consulate General in Casablanca to respond to a sustained increase in visa applications from Morocco, the US Embassy has announced.

In a message shared on its official platforms, the embassy said the US State Department has assigned additional consular officers to Casablanca to help process the growing number of visa requests. 

The move is intended to ease pressure on the system and speed up appointment availability.

As part of the reinforcement, thousands of new visa interview slots are set to open in January and February 2026, offering broader access to applicants who have faced lengthy waiting times in recent months.

The decision follows a recent announcement confirming a sharp reduction in visa appointment delays in Morocco, with waiting periods shortened from around ten months to roughly two months. 

The adjustment comes in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking earlier this month, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup, said the new timelines represent a cut of more than 80% compared to waiting periods recorded in late 2024. 

He noted that the changes are expected to benefit Moroccan football supporters planning to travel to the US for the tournament.

US officials have also pointed to a priority interview system reserved for confirmed World Cup ticket holders through the FIFA Pass, an initiative announced by President Donald Trump to facilitate travel for fans attending the competition.

The staffing increase in Casablanca forms part of broader preparations by Washington to manage higher travel demand linked to the global football event.