Just over four months before the kick-off of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. authorities, in coordination with FIFA, have officially launched an unprecedented system of priority visa appointments for international supporters. Known as FIFA PASS, the mechanism aims to facilitate entry into the United States for ticket-holding fans, while maintaining standard security and screening procedures.
What is the FIFA PASS system?
FIFA confirmed the launch of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), a voluntary program designed for individuals who have purchased tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and plan to travel to the United States.
The principle is straightforward: ticket holders may access priority slots for U.S. visa interviews ahead of the tournament, helping them avoid long waiting times in countries where visa backlogs remain significant.
According to FIFA, current ticket holders will be informed by FIFA Ticketing in the coming days, while future buyers will be able to enroll in the FIFA PASS system during the ticket purchase process.
Who benefits most from FIFA PASS?
FIFA stressed that the initiative is particularly useful for supporters living in countries where waiting times for U.S. visa interviews are currently long. The system does not guarantee visa approval, but it provides faster access to the interview stage.
The U.S. Department of State has emphasized that all applicants remain subject to the same eligibility requirements, background checks, and consular scrutiny as any other visa applicant.
How does FIFA PASS work?
The U.S. Department of State outlined the process for accessing FIFA PASS appointments:
- Step 1: Log into your FIFA.com account and complete the FIFA PASS registration form.
- Step 2: Begin the standard U.S. visa application process:
- Select your country of nationality or residence.
- Complete the DS-160 online visa application form.
- Upload a recent photograph and pay the visa fee.
- Step 3: Schedule your visa interview. When asked whether you are a FIFA ticket holder, select “Yes.” If your FIFA PASS registration details match your visa application, you will gain access to a FIFA PASS priority appointment.
U.S. authorities reiterated that obtaining a FIFA PASS appointment does not guarantee visa approval.
FIFA PASS does not apply to ESTA travelers
The FIFA PASS system mainly targets supporters who are required to attend a visa interview. It is of limited relevance to nationals of countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Citizens of VWP countries—including most European Union states, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Singapore, Chile, and Qatar—can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA authorization.
For these travelers, the priority is submitting an ESTA application before departure and complying with VWP conditions rather than securing a consular interview.
Potential future changes to ESTA procedures
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a consultation in late 2025 on possible changes to the ESTA process. Proposed developments include a shift toward a “mobile-only” application pathway and expanded data collection.
Among the potential additions are facial photographs, social media identifiers from the past five years, and extended contact history data. These proposals remain under regulatory review, with public comments open until early February 2026.
Visa suspensions and their impact on World Cup supporters
The FIFA PASS initiative was first announced in November 2025 during an event at the White House attended by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and senior U.S. officials.
Separately, the United States recently suspended the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries. The Department of State clarified that this suspension does not affect non-immigrant visas, including tourist (B-2) visas.
As a result, supporters from countries such as Algeria, Brazil, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Uruguay can still apply for tourist visas to attend the 2026 World Cup.
Persistent travel restrictions for certain countries
Some countries remain subject to stricter entry restrictions. Iran and Haiti, both qualified for the 2026 World Cup, face full entry bans, while Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal are subject to partial restrictions.
U.S. authorities confirmed that FIFA PASS does not override these restrictions. While exceptions may apply to players and official delegations, they do not extend to supporters.
A historic World Cup with unprecedented logistics
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition featuring 48 teams and will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The United States will stage 78 of the 104 matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With over six million tickets expected to be sold, FIFA describes FIFA PASS as a key step in ensuring smoother travel for international supporters attending the world’s biggest sporting event.
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- FIFA World Cup 2026™: Full Match Schedule (All 104 Games)
- How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices, Sales Phases, Draw Details & Morocco’s Full Match Guide
- FIFA Confirms 2026 World Cup Draw Seedings and Pathways: What It Means for Favorites, Co-Hosts, and Morocco
