US Launches FIFA PASS for World Cup 2026 Visa Interviews

February 3, 2026|Joshua

The US has launched FIFA PASS, a priority appointment system that provides eligible FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders faster access to US visa interview dates, helping fans secure visitor visas in time to attend matches in US host cities while maintaining standard visa requirements and security procedures.

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The United States has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), a new mechanism that gives eligible FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders earlier access to US visa interview appointments. The program is designed for fans who require a US visitor visa to attend matches in US host cities, where long wait times have been a concern for international travelers.

What is FIFA PASS?

FIFA PASS is a priority appointment system run by the US Department of State in coordination with FIFA and the White House task force for the 2026 tournament. It creates a dedicated pool of earlier interview slots at US embassies and consulates for verified World Cup ticket holders.

Importantly, FIFA PASS only changes how quickly qualifying fans can obtain a visa interview date. It does not change who needs a visa, the legal criteria for visa approval, or the security checks that apply to applicants. A World Cup ticket remains separate from the visa and does not guarantee entry to the United States.

Who is eligible for FIFA PASS?

According to guidance from US authorities and tournament organizers, FIFA PASS is intended for:

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders traveling to attend matches hosted in the United States.
Nationals who need a US visitor visa (B1/B2) to enter the United States as tourists.
Applicants who have not yet scheduled a visa interview, or whose next regular appointment date would fall after the tournament kicks off.

Some travelers are not expected to use FIFA PASS:

Canadian and Bermudan passport holders, who generally do not need a visa for short tourist visits to the United States.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, who are eligible to travel with an ESTA authorization instead of a B1/B2 visa.
Ticket holders attending matches only in Canada or Mexico, who must follow each host country’s separate entry rules.

Key dates and rollout

The FIFA PASS initiative was first announced by the White House task force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 on November 17, 2025. The State Department subsequently updated its World Cup 26 visa information page with preliminary details and advised that FIFA PASS appointments would become available in early 2026. The priority scheduling system went live on January 21, 2026, allowing eligible ticket holders to begin requesting priority visa appointments.

Officials have indicated that FIFA PASS is intended to help fans in countries where standard appointment wait times would otherwise stretch past the start of the tournament in June 2026.

What FIFA PASS changes – and what it does not

What FIFA PASS changes

Interview calendar access: Verified ticket holders can see and book from a pool of earlier visa interview dates reserved for FIFA PASS users in participating consular posts.
Effective wait times: In many high-demand countries, fans may see wait times reduced to a shorter window (often within a couple of months) once they are registered through FIFA PASS, compared with significantly longer standard queues.
Queue position: Within local capacity limits, FIFA PASS moves eligible ticket holders ahead of non-ticket-holding applicants for B1/B2 interview scheduling.

What FIFA PASS does not change

Visa requirements: Whether you need a visa at all still depends on your nationality and travel status. Visa Waiver Program travelers must continue to use ESTA, and Canadian and Bermudan tourists remain generally visa-exempt.
Approval standards: Consular officers apply the same US immigration law to assess ties to your home country, travel history and admissibility. There is no relaxed standard because you hold a World Cup ticket.
Security screening: Background checks, biometrics and any necessary administrative processing continue to apply in full.
Guarantee of a visa: A priority appointment does not guarantee a visa decision in time for the tournament, nor does it guarantee approval.

Visa requirements for World Cup 2026 travel to the United States

Travel rules for fans heading to US-hosted matches during the World Cup generally fall into three groups:

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers: Citizens of approved VWP countries travel to the United States for tourism using an ESTA authorization instead of a visa. VWP travelers are not expected to use FIFA PASS; they must obtain ESTA approval separately and still meet all entry requirements.
Visa-exempt travelers: Canadian and Bermudan passport holders usually do not need a visa for short-term tourism, including to attend World Cup matches in the United States. They do not need FIFA PASS but must still meet standard admission requirements at the border.
Visa-required travelers (B1/B2): Fans from all other countries generally need a B1/B2 visitor visa for tourism and spectator travel to the United States. These are the primary group for whom FIFA PASS is intended, provided they also hold a valid ticket to a US-hosted match.

Regardless of category, holding a match ticket does not replace the need for the correct visa or travel authorization.

How to use FIFA PASS: typical process

Exact technical steps can vary by country and will be updated as the system expands, but current guidance indicates a process similar to the following for eligible fans:

Purchase an official World Cup 2026 ticket for a match hosted in the United States through FIFA’s official ticketing platform.
Confirm whether you need a US visa or can travel under ESTA or as a visa-exempt Canadian or Bermudan traveler.
Complete the standard DS-160 online visa application and pay the B1/B2 visa fee for the US embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.
Create or update your profile in the regular US visa appointment system for your country.
Access the dedicated FIFA PASS portal via links from the US Department of State’s World Cup 26 visa information pages when available. There you will typically provide personal details and your ticket reference so the system can verify that you are an eligible ticket holder.
Request a priority interview slot from the pool of reserved FIFA PASS dates shown for your location, subject to local availability.
Attend your interview as usual, bringing your passport and supporting documents. You may be asked to show proof of your World Cup ticket, but the interview itself follows the standard B1/B2 procedure.

US guidance also indicates that if you already have a regular visa appointment scheduled before the opening match, you should keep that appointment. If the next standard appointment in your location falls after kick-off, you may benefit from waiting for FIFA PASS dates instead.

Passport validity and other entry conditions

The US Department of State advises that most visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the United States, unless they are citizens of countries that are exempt from the six-month rule.

Other important conditions include:

You must be otherwise admissible under US law. Existing travel bans, prior immigration violations, or certain criminal records can still prevent visa issuance or entry, even with FIFA PASS.
You should ensure your travel plans, accommodation and financial documentation are consistent with a temporary visit for tourism and sporting events.
Each traveler, including accompanying family members, must meet requirements individually, though families can often apply and schedule appointments together.

Practical tips for World Cup fans

Apply early: Even with priority appointments, high demand means you should complete your visa or ESTA process as soon as possible.
Keep your ticket details handy: Your booking or customer reference from the official FIFA ticketing system will be central to accessing FIFA PASS.
Check local wait times: Official US visa wait-time information can help you decide whether to proceed with a regular appointment or wait for FIFA PASS access.
Match your information carefully: Ensure names and passport numbers on your visa application, FIFA ticket profile and FIFA PASS request all match.
Plan for contingencies: Administrative processing or additional document requests can still occur, so avoid last-minute travel plans where possible.

Apply now

You can review official guidance on FIFA PASS and access the relevant links to start your application on the US Department of State government portal.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa Pass FAQ