Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Friday, June 12, 2026, 8:12 p.m. / Updated Friday, June 12, 2026, 8:33 p.m.
The very day the World Cup started on Azteca, along with Mexico – South Africa 2-0, Argentinians denied US tourist visas get free TVs!
There was high demand for tickets in Argentina for fans to see their favorites attempt to defend their world title won three and a half years ago in Qatar. Supporters flocked to the embassy to apply for visas to enter the United States.
As in the previous edition, fans will not want to miss Leo Messi's international debut against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday 17 June. However, many could not enter the US because their tourist visas were rejected by the US authorities!
Argentina won the only edition of the Finalissima, score 3-0 against Italy. photo: Imago
Thousands of supporters of the reigning world champions were left with a swollen lip, even though some had bought tickets to the game at Arrowhead Stadium. But some of them had the pleasant surprise of receiving a consolation prize.
TVs for the first 100 who can prove that they have had US entry visa applications in the last six months!
Newsan, through its television brand Noblex, took advantage of this moment to launch a promotion, whereby offers televisions to the first 100 people who can prove, with documents in hand, that their applications for a visa to enter the United States have been denied in the last six months, as announced by the daily AS.
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
Argentine fans rushed to various offices in Buenos Aires to present proof that they had been denied entry to the US, hoping to return home with a television.
“One hundred Argentinians will not be able to experience the emotions of the World Cup on the spot, but they will be able to watch the competition at home, with a brand new TV. A very smart marketing strategy from Newsan”. concluded the quoted Spanish newspaper.
