The United States has begun implementing a new visa facilitation programme known as FIFA Pass as part of its preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative is designed to help international football fans secure visa interview appointments more quickly as demand for travel to the tournament is expected to surge in the months leading up to kickoff.
According to US officials, FIFA Pass is intended to reduce long wait times for non-immigrant visas by prioritising interview slots for confirmed World Cup ticket holders. The programme focuses primarily on visitor visas, including B1/B2 tourist visas, which are commonly used by international travelers attending major sporting events in the country. With millions of fans expected to visit North America for the tournament, authorities say the system is aimed at easing pressure on US embassies and consulates worldwide.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams. A total of 78 matches will be played across 16 host cities, with the United States staging games in 11 locations. The final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium, one of the tournament’s flagship venues. The expanded format and broad geographic spread are expected to draw unprecedented international interest.
FIFA Pass became operational in January and participation in the programme is voluntary. It is available in countries where standard visa interview wait times can extend for several months, creating potential obstacles for fans planning to attend matches. Under the system, eligible ticket holders will receive guidance from FIFA on how to enrol and access priority interview appointments at US diplomatic missions.
US officials have stressed that while FIFA Pass accelerates the scheduling process, it does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants are still required to meet existing eligibility standards, attend interviews, undergo background checks and demonstrate compliance with US immigration laws. Authorities have emphasised that applicants must also show intent to return to their home countries after their visit.
The State Department has made it clear that the programme does not alter immigration rules or security procedures. Visa officers will continue to apply the same vetting criteria to all applications, regardless of whether they are processed through FIFA Pass or the standard system. The initiative is framed as an administrative measure to manage volume rather than a relaxation of entry requirements.
Travel requirements for World Cup fans will continue to depend on nationality. Citizens of countries included in the US Visa Waiver Program can travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and do not need a visa. Fans from other nations must apply for a visitor visa but may benefit from the priority interview slots offered under FIFA Pass.
To manage increased demand, the State Department has also expanded staffing levels at key embassies and consulates. Several hundred additional consular officers have been assigned worldwide to support the rollout of FIFA Pass and to help reduce overall processing delays as the tournament approaches. Officials say these measures are part of a broader effort to ensure a smooth travel experience for international visitors while maintaining security standards.
As preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue, authorities are encouraging fans to plan early, monitor official communications, and ensure they meet all visa and travel requirements well in advance of the tournament’s opening match in June.
