Foreign fans who purchase tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup thru the official FIFA system will be able to access priority appointments to apply for a U.S. visa, thanks to the new scheme called FIFA PASS.
Although a World Cup ticket does not guaranty entry into the United States, it will expedite the consular interview process while maintaining the same immigration selection criteria. PASS stands for Priority Appointment Scheduling System, designed to improve the efficiency of visa issuance for the 2026 World Cup.
What is FIFA PASS and how does it work for a U.S. visa?
The FIFA PASS will allow 2026 World Cup ticket buyers to request a faster appointment to obtain a tourist visa (B1/B2), especially given the high demand expected for the tournament.
This system aims to facilitate the entry of millions of international visitors into the United States, which will be the main host country for the tournament along with Mexico and Canada.
2026 World Cup venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature:
- 11 host cities in the United States
- 3 host cities in Mexico
- Two host cities in Canada
The tournament will bring together 48 national teams, which will significantly increase demand for visas, flights, and accommodation, especially in the United States.
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Documents required to apply for the FIFA PASS service
Immigration authorities and FIFA outlined the basic requirements for entering the United States during the 2026 World Cup:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, except for countries exempt.
- Check the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website to verify specific requirements.
- Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need additional authorization to enter as tourists.
- Visitors from the 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program can apply for ESTA authorization.
- Fans from other countries will need a valid B1/B2 visitor visa to travel to the United States during the World Cup.
Trump and FIFA call for processing your visa in advance.
President Donald Trump urged international travelers planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States to apply for their visas immediately, in anticipation of a surge in applications.
For his part, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who presented the system alongside Trump in the Oval Office on November 17, 2025, assured that the United States “welcomes the world” for the World Cup.
Does FIFA PASS compensate for the restrictive immigration policy?
Although FIFA PASS aims to facilitate fans’ entry to the World Cup, the program has also sparked debate. Analysts point out that the system seeks to balance the Trump administration’s restrictive immigration policies while ensuring international tourists’ access to the world’s most important sporting event.
The program’s real impact will be assessed as the visa application process for the 2026 World Cup progresses and the start of the tournament draws closer.
