In a major development for international soccer fans, the U.S. government officially launched FIFA PASS this week, a priority visa processing initiative designed to ensure ticket holders can attend the 2026 World Cup. The long-awaited program, rolled out just months before the tournament's June kickoff, offers a lifeline to millions of visitors facing record-breaking wait times at U.S. consulates worldwide. With the tournament set to be the largest in history, this move aims to prevent a travel bottleneck that threatened to leave thousands of seats empty.

What Is the FIFA PASS Visa Priority Program?

The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a specialized consular initiative developed by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with FIFA. Its primary goal is to fast-track interview appointments for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, specifically for verified World Cup 2026 ticket holders. This system addresses the critical issue of U.S. tourist visa wait times 2026, which currently exceed 600 days in key markets like Colombia, India, and Mexico.

Under the new policy, fans with a confirmed match ticket can opt into the program to access exclusive appointment slots. This bypasses the standard general public queue, potentially reducing wait times from years to weeks. "This initiative is a significant step in supporting international fan access and ensuring a smooth travel experience ahead of the world's largest sporting event," a FIFA spokesperson stated regarding the launch.

How to Apply for FIFA PASS: A Step-by-Step Guide

For international fans, navigating World Cup 2026 travel requirements just became significantly easier. However, the State Department emphasizes that the process is strict and requires precise adherence to steps. Here is how ticket holders can utilize the system:

  • Step 1: Verify Your Ticket – Log in to your official FIFA ticketing account and locate the opt-in form for FIFA PASS. Only direct ticket purchasers or verified transfer recipients are eligible.
  • Step 2: Submit DS-160 – Complete the standard Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) at the U.S. Consular Electronic Application Center.
  • Step 3: Schedule with Priority – When booking your appointment on the official visa scheduling portal for your region, select "Yes" when asked if you are a FIFA World Cup ticket holder. This will unlock the priority calendar.

Applicants must ensure their personal details on the visa application match their ticket information exactly to avoid delays.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is exclusively for applicants requiring a nonimmigrant visitor visa (B-1/B-2) to enter the United States. Travelers from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)—such as the UK, Japan, and most EU nations—do not need to use FIFA PASS, as their entry process remains streamlined through the standard ESTA system.

Does FIFA PASS Guarantee a Visa?

Crucially, FIFA PASS U.S. visa priority guarantees an interview, not a visa. U.S. officials have been clear that national security remains the top priority. All applicants must still undergo rigorous security screening and demonstrate their eligibility under U.S. immigration law.

"Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee the visa will be issued," the State Department clarified in its guidance. "Like all visa applicants, ticket holders must undergo thorough screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa." This means fans must still prove strong ties to their home country and intent to depart after the tournament.

Why This Matters for World Cup 2026

The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams, with 78 of the 104 matches hosted on U.S. soil. The scale is unprecedented, with over 6 million tickets expected to be sold. Without World Cup ticket holder visa appointments being expedited, the economic impact—projected to be in the billions—could have been severely dampened by fans unable to enter the country.

Travel industry experts have hailed the move as essential. "International travel to USA 2026 was facing a crisis point," notes travel analyst Sarah Jenkins. "FIFA PASS is the circuit breaker needed to ensure that the stands in New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles are full of global fans, not just domestic ones."

Final FIFA World Cup Soccer Travel Tips

With the system now live, time is of the essence. Fans are advised to apply immediately, as even priority slots are limited by consular capacity. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and carry physical proof of your match tickets to your interview.

As the countdown to the opener continues, FIFA PASS represents a vital bridge between the dream of attending the World Cup and the reality of crossing the border. For millions, the path to the pitch just got a little clearer.