US launches priority visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders

The United States has introduced a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move aimed at easing travel pressures ahead of the tournament scheduled for June 11 to July 19.

Under the new arrangement, ticket-holding fans can request expedited visa interview slots before the competition begins.

How the FIFA Pass visa system will work

The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the US staging 78 of the 104 matches across 11 cities, including the final in New Jersey.

US authorities said the system, known as the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System or “FIFA Pass”, is designed to reduce long waiting times in countries where securing visa appointments can be difficult.

A senior State Department official said applicants in more than 80 per cent of countries can now book appointments within 60 days, stressing that, “At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament. America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first.”

Security checks remain despite faster appointments

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said millions are expected to travel to North America, adding, “With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, legitimate football fans, can attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting with getting their visa and then coming to the country to enjoy the tournament.”

US President Donald Trump said his administration was committed to ensuring a successful event.

“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within our power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. We are setting records on ticket sales,” he said.

However, US officials cautioned that the FIFA Pass does not guarantee visa approval, as applicants must still pass full security screening.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Programme countries, including the UK, do not require visas and must instead apply for an ESTA.