World Cup 2026: Argentina fans denied US visas receive free TVs as World Cup fever sweeps Buenos Aires

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, football fever continues to grip Argentina, even among supporters who will not be able to watch the defending champions in person.

On Wednesday, dozens of Argentine fans lined up outside a company office in Buenos Aires to receive free televisions after their applications for U.S. tourist visas were rejected. The initiative was launched by electronics giant Newsan through its Noblex brand, which offered free TV sets to the first 100 supporters who could prove they had been denied visas between January and June. The campaign aimed to soften the disappointment of fans who had hoped to travel to North America to support Lionel Messi and Argentina at what could be the captain’s final World Cup.

The gesture reflects the excitement surrounding Argentina’s title defence. Lionel Scaloni’s side arrives at the tournament as reigning world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago and has once again been tipped among the favourites for glory. Argentina also entered the tournament ranked number one in the FIFA World Rankings.

Argentina’s road to the 2026 World Cup was impressive, with the South American giants securing qualification as one of the strongest teams in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign. Their consistency, experience and depth have made them one of the teams to beat in North America.

Ahead of the tournament, Scaloni’s men played two international friendlies in the United States. They defeated Honduras 2-0 before finishing preparations with a convincing 3-0 victory over Iceland, boosting confidence within the squad ahead of the competition.

Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. The group is considered favourable for the South Americans, although Scaloni has repeatedly warned against underestimating any opponent in the expanded 48-team tournament.

The Albiceleste will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 17 before facing Austria and Jordan in their remaining group matches.

While many supporters will be cheering from living rooms rather than stadium seats, the passion remains unchanged. For the lucky fans who walked away with free televisions, missing out on a trip to North America became a little easier as they prepare to watch Messi and Argentina chase another historic World Cup triumph.

Argentine soccer fans whose US tourist visas were rejected lined up in Buenos Aires to receive free televisions from an electronics brand, a day before the start of the World Cup. Follow our #WorldCup2026 coverage here ➡️ https://t.co/j0CHJ6H6Uh pic.twitter.com/YDQwxCIPyg

— Reuters (@Reuters) June 11, 2026