Scotland fan's US visa revoked at airport ahead of World Cup trip

A Scottish football fan had his United States visa revoked while he was at airport security, just one hour before he was due to fly to the World Cup.

Visa revoked at security checkpoint

Michael Wright, a supporter of the Scotland national team, was preparing to board a flight from Glasgow to the United States when his visa status unexpectedly changed to 'travel not authorised'. The revocation occurred as he passed through airport security, leaving him unable to travel.

Wright had planned to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He had obtained a valid visa months in advance and had no prior indication that his travel authorization would be withdrawn.

No explanation provided

According to Wright, US authorities did not provide a reason for the revocation. He described the situation as confusing and distressing, particularly given the last-minute nature of the decision.

“I was at the security gate, ready to go, and suddenly my visa was cancelled. No one told me why,” Wright said. “It’s a nightmare.”

The incident highlights the potential for visa issues to disrupt travel plans, even for individuals who have followed all required procedures. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to revoke visas at any time, including at ports of entry, but such actions are typically reserved for cases involving security concerns or documentation errors.

Impact on travel plans

Wright’s flight departed without him, and he was forced to cancel his trip. He lost the cost of his airline ticket and accommodation, and missed the opportunity to attend the World Cup matches he had been looking forward to.

The Scottish Football Association has not commented on the incident, but fan groups have expressed sympathy and called for clearer communication from US authorities regarding visa decisions.

This case is not isolated; there have been reports of other football fans facing similar visa problems ahead of major tournaments. The US State Department advises travelers to apply for visas well in advance and to check their status before traveling, but last-minute revocations remain a risk.

Wright is now seeking legal advice to understand his options and to determine whether the revocation was a mistake or based on specific grounds. He hopes to resolve the issue in time for future travel to the United States.