UNITED STATES has begun rolling out a new visa initiative, known as FIFA Pass, aimed at facilitating travel for international football fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The program is designed to fast-track visa interview appointments for confirmed ticket holders, as the country prepares to welcome millions of visitors when the tournament kicks off in June.
According to the US Department of State, the initiative seeks to ease lengthy waiting times for non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 visitor visas. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring 48 teams and 78 matches across 16 host cities. The United States will stage matches in 11 cities, with the final scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium.
As reported by Inside FIFA, the FIFA Pass system allows confirmed World Cup ticket holders to access prioritised visa interview appointments at US embassies and consulates worldwide. The platform went live on 20 January, with participation remaining voluntary. It has been introduced particularly for applicants in countries where standard visa interview wait times can stretch into several months.
Ticket holders will receive guidance directly from FIFA on how to enrol in the program. The prioritised interview slots are intended to help fans secure appointments well in advance of the tournament’s opening match on 11 June.
US authorities have emphasised that FIFA Pass only expedites the scheduling of visa interviews and does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must continue to meet existing eligibility requirements, attend in-person interviews, complete background checks and demonstrate their intention to comply with US laws and return home after their visit. The State Department stressed that the initiative does not alter immigration standards or security protocols, and that the same vetting procedures will apply to all applicants.
To manage the anticipated surge in demand, the State Department has deployed additional consular personnel. According to Inside FIFA, between 400 and 500 extra officers have been assigned to key embassies and consulates worldwide to support the rollout of the system and help reduce overall visa processing times.
