US Launches Priority Visa Appointments for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders
The United States has unveiled a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving fans the chance to secure earlier appointments ahead of the tournament. The scheme, known as the FIFA Pass, went live on Tuesday and aims to streamline the visa process for football enthusiasts planning to attend the competition, which kicks off on June 11, 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. The US will host 78 of the 104 matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with matches spread across 11 cities nationwide.
According to reports, the initiative was designed in response to concerns that fans from certain countries might struggle to get visa appointments in time for the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that the system ensures legitimate ticket holders can secure visas efficiently and attend the World Cup under optimal conditions. He stated:
“With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, legitimate football fans, can attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting with getting their visa and then coming to the country to enjoy the tournament.”
US President Donald Trump also emphasised the administration’s commitment to making the World Cup a success, highlighting the work of the Departments of State and Homeland Security to vet visitors and facilitate travel.
A senior US State Department official explained that the new priority system would significantly reduce wait times, allowing applicants in over 80% of eligible countries to schedule appointments in less than 60 days. However, the official stressed that a FIFA Pass appointment does not guarantee a visa, as all applicants must undergo standard security screening and vetting procedures.
Most travellers from countries in the US Visa Waiver Programme, including the UK, Japan, and Australia, can travel visa-free for up to 90 days and therefore do not need the FIFA Pass. Citizens from other nations must apply through the FIFA Pass system or standard visa channels.
The launch of FIFA Pass coincides with restrictions on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, some of which have teams qualified for the 2026 tournament, including Brazil, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. The US State Department clarified that these restrictions only apply to immigrant visas and do not affect non-immigrant visas for tourists, athletes, coaches, or media professionals.
Guidance from the State Department notes that while athletes and necessary support personnel are exempt, fans and spectators from countries under travel restrictions may remain ineligible for visa issuance. This means that some football fans from nations like Haiti and Iran are unlikely to travel to the US for the tournament despite holding tickets.
The FIFA Pass priority system is expected to make travel smoother for millions of fans worldwide, with FIFA projecting that between five and ten million people may travel to North America for the 2026 World Cup.
