FIFA announced yesterday the launch of FIFA PASS (FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System), 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 concept is straightforward: ticket holders may, if they choose, gain access to priority visa interview appointments ahead of the start of the tournament.
All current ticket buyers are expected to be notified by FIFA’s ticketing platform in the coming days, while future purchasers will be able to enroll in the program at the time of ticket purchase.
According to FIFA, “this initiative is particularly helpful for ticketed fans in countries where U.S. visa interview wait times are currently longer.”
How does FIFA PASS work?
The U.S. Department of State has outlined the details of the program and explained how FIFA PASS operates:
- Step 1: Log into your FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS opt in form.
- Step 2: Complete the visa application process (which you can begin here):
- Select your country of nationality or residence where you’ll be applying;
- Fill out the online DS-160 visa application form, upload a current photo and pay the visa fee.
- Step 3: Schedule your visa interview appointment. If asked if you’re a FIFA ticket holder, be sure to answer “Yes.” If the information you entered in the FIFA PASS opt in form matches your visa application information, you’ll get access to a FIFA PASS Appointment!
“Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee the visa will be issued,” the Department of State reminds, adding that “like all visa applicants, ticket holders must undergo thorough screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa.”
FIFA PASS: A program not intended for ESTA-eligible travelers
FIFA PASS is primarily aimed at fans who are required to attend a visa interview.
It is of limited relevance for nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows travelers to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain ESTA authorization.
These countries include most European Union member states (such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium), as well as the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Singapore, Chile, and Qatar.
For these travelers, the key requirement is not securing a priority consular appointment, but rather submitting an ESTA application before departure and complying with VWP conditions (length of stay, purpose of travel, passport requirements, etc.).
In the medium term, however, several changes could affect the experience of ESTA-eligible travelers…
In late 2025, U.S. authorities (CBP) launched a public consultation on potential changes that, according to published documents and analyses, would include a shift to a “mobile-only” process, making the ESTA application the primary, or even sole, point of entry, and an expansion of the data collected.
Proposed information requirements include a more systematic facial photograph upload, social media identifiers and histories from the past five years, and extended contact details such as email addresses used over long periods (up to ten years) and phone numbers used over the past five years.
These measures are presented as proposals or policy directions, with implementation timelines dependent on ongoing regulatory decisions. A public comment period is currently open through early February 2026.
Suspension of immigrant visas: What impact for fans?
The launch of FIFA PASS was first announced in November 2025 at an event held at the White House, attended by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several senior members of the U.S. government.
The announcement was part of broader tournament preparations, highlighting cooperation between FIFA and U.S. authorities in hosting a global-scale event.
At the same time, the United States recently decided to suspend the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries. The Department of State clarified, however, that this measure does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those issued to tourists, athletes, their families, or members of the media.
In practical terms, fans from countries affected by the suspension may still apply for a B-2 tourist visa to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Among the countries that have qualified for the tournament and appear on this list are Algeria, Brazil, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Uruguay. Several other nations still in the qualification process are also affected.
Travel restrictions: Ongoing limitations
The situation is more restrictive for certain countries subject to entry bans or limitations on travel to the United States. Iran and Haiti, both qualified for the 2026 World Cup, are subject to full restrictions, while Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal face partial restrictions.
The Department of State has confirmed that a FIFA PASS appointment does not allow applicants to bypass these restrictions. While exceptions exist for athletes, team officials, and their immediate entourages, they do not apply to fans or spectators. Supporters may still submit a visa application, but without any guarantee of visa eligibility or admission to the United States.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and will be hosted across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The U.S. will host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches, including the final, scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With more than six million tickets expected to be sold, FIFA describes FIFA PASS as “a significant step in supporting international fan access and ensuring a smooth travel experience ahead of the world’s largest sporting event.”
