The United States has officially launched a priority visa appointment system specifically for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders, aiming to streamline travel arrangements for fans attending the highly anticipated tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The initiative seeks to address concerns over long visa processing times that could affect international supporters traveling to the US for the event.
The new programme, officially titled the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA Pass, went live on Tuesday and allows eligible fans to schedule expedited visa interviews at US embassies and consulates around the world. This system was first announced in November by US President Donald Trump, following warnings that visitors from some qualifying countries could face lengthy delays in obtaining visas due to backlogs and high demand ahead of the World Cup.
What the FIFA Pass offers
Through the FIFA Pass system, World Cup ticket holders can request faster visa interview appointments at US diplomatic missions. US officials stated that the programme is intended to reduce waiting times, particularly for applicants from nations where visa backlogs are common or where standard appointment slots may be limited for several months.
A senior official from the US State Department noted that in “over 80%” of eligible countries, applicants can now secure appointments in “less than 60 days,” marking a significant improvement over typical processing times. However, the department stressed that FIFA Pass only expedites the scheduling process and does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. Each applicant must still meet all eligibility requirements and comply with US immigration laws.
“At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament,” the official said. “America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first.” This highlights that while the FIFA Pass facilitates faster access to consular interviews, all standard procedures, checks, and requirements remain in place to ensure national security.
Limits and security checks
The State Department emphasized that all applicants are still subject to full security screening and vetting procedures. A FIFA Pass appointment “does not allow people who are otherwise not eligible” to obtain a visa. Fans who are not compliant with US visa requirements or who pose any security risks will still be denied entry, regardless of expedited scheduling.
Fans from countries covered under the US Visa Waiver Programme, which includes the United Kingdom, most European nations, Japan, and Australia, do not require a visa to enter the United States. Instead, these travellers can apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which grants them entry for short-term visits, including for attending World Cup matches.
Impact of travel and visa restrictions
Despite the FIFA Pass system, uncertainty remains for supporters from several countries. Recently, the US announced an indefinite pause on processing immigrant visas from 75 nations, including 15 that have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, such as Brazil, Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco. The State Department clarified that the pause only affects immigrant visas, and does not extend to non-immigrant categories, such as tourist or visitor visas that fans would use to attend matches.
However, some countries remain subject to full travel restrictions, including Haiti and Iran, while others face partial limitations. While exemptions have been confirmed for players, coaches, and official team staff, these do not apply to fans or spectators attending the tournament. This means that some supporters will need to plan ahead carefully to ensure they meet entry requirements in time for the competition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July, with the United States hosting the majority of matches – 78 out of 104 – including the highly anticipated final in New Jersey. The launch of FIFA Pass is expected to help thousands of fans from around the globe secure timely travel arrangements, ensuring they can witness one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in history without undue visa-related delays.