The United States has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, to help international fans secure visa interviews ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This voluntary program targets ticket holders from countries with long visa wait times, while maintaining standard security checks. The initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel for the tournament, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
On January 21, 2026, U.S. authorities, in coordination with FIFA, launched FIFA PASS, a program designed to provide priority visa appointment scheduling for individuals holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup who require a U.S. visa. The system allows eligible fans to opt in through their FIFA.com account, complete the DS-160 form, and schedule interviews more quickly if their details match. FIFA announced the program the previous day, notifying current ticket buyers and enabling future purchasers to enroll at the time of purchase.
"This initiative is particularly helpful for ticketed fans in countries where U.S. visa interview wait times are currently longer," FIFA stated. A senior U.S. State Department official emphasized that the program supports the Trump administration's commitment to a successful event, with over 500 additional consular officers deployed to process applications. More than 80 percent of countries now offer visa interviews within 60 days, a marked improvement from prior backlogs.
FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa issuance; applicants must undergo thorough screening and demonstrate eligibility, including intent to return home after the tournament. It is irrelevant for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, such as most EU nations, the UK, Japan, Australia, and others, who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for short stays.
The program was first announced in November 2025 at the White House by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Recent U.S. policies suspending immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, including qualified World Cup teams like Brazil, Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Uruguay, do not affect nonimmigrant tourist visas needed by fans. However, full travel bans apply to Iran and Haiti, with partial restrictions for Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal; these override FIFA PASS for spectators, though exceptions exist for athletes and officials.
The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, runs from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US hosts 78 of 104 matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with over six million tickets expected.
