Fans holding tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup can now access priority visa appointment slots to travel to the United States, offering a boost to supporters planning to attend the tournament.
The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, also called the FIFA Pass, officially went live on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The initiative, announced by US President Donald Trump in November, was created to reduce long visa appointment backlogs that could prevent some fans from securing visas in time for the summer tournament.
While the system allows for quicker scheduling, the US State Department stressed that securing a FIFA Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must still pass security screening and vetting procedures before entering the country.
Citizens of countries covered by the US Visa Waiver Program, including most European nations, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, generally do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. These travelers must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and do not require a FIFA Pass appointment.
A senior State Department official said the platform is expected to significantly reduce waiting times, noting that applicants in more than 80 percent of countries can now schedule visa appointments in under 60 days.
“At the visa appointment, the applicant must demonstrate eligibility for the visa, compliance with US laws, and an intention to leave the country at the end of the tournament,” the official said. “America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first.”
Travel Restrictions and Affected Countries
Fans from countries affected by the US suspension of immigrant visa processing will still be eligible to apply for entry for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The US recently announced a pause in immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. Among them, 15 countries have already qualified for the World Cup, including Brazil, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Seven other countries on the list are still in qualification contention.
The State Department clarified that the suspension does not affect non-immigrant visas, which are issued for tourists, athletes, their families, and accredited media personnel. However, fans from countries with full travel restrictions, such as Haiti and Iran, appear unlikely to be able to attend the tournament. Fans from Ivory Coast and Senegal, with partial restrictions, may also face difficulties.
Exceptions exist for athletes, team staff, and immediate family members, who will still be allowed entry, but spectators are not covered by these exceptions.
The US will host 78 of the 104 total matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, across 11 cities nationwide.
