US Rolls Out Fast-Track Visas for 2026 World Cup Fans

The United States has introduced a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing football fans to apply for earlier visa interview slots ahead of the tournament.

The initiative, which became operational this week, enables eligible ticket holders to access expedited visa appointments before the competition begins on June 11. The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

The United States is set to host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The prioritised system, officially known as the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System and informally referred to as the “FIFA Pass,” was introduced to help address long visa wait times, particularly for applicants from countries where appointment backlogs could otherwise prevent fans from travelling in time for the event.

US authorities said the scheme is intended to ensure that legitimate ticket holders can complete visa processes ahead of the tournament, while maintaining existing security and vetting standards.

President Donald Trump previously said that the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working to ensure that international visitors are properly screened and able to travel to the US for the World Cup. He described preparations for the tournament as a priority for his administration.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation expects between five and ten million visitors to travel to North America for the World Cup. He noted that the new system is designed to help genuine ticket holders attend the tournament under improved travel conditions.

US officials have emphasised that a priority appointment does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements and pass security checks. A senior State Department official said the system is expected to significantly reduce waiting times, with applicants in more than 80 per cent of countries now able to secure visa interviews within 60 days.

The official added that applicants must demonstrate their intention to comply with US immigration laws and leave the country after the tournament, stressing that border security remains a top priority.

Citizens of countries covered under the US Visa Waiver Programme, including much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, do not require visas for short visits and therefore do not need to use the FIFA Pass. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

The introduction of the FIFA Pass follows a recent pause in the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries, some of which have teams that have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. US authorities clarified that the pause applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas, including tourist, athlete, and media visas.

Countries whose national teams have already qualified and are affected by the immigrant visa pause include Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan. Several other countries on the list remain in contention to qualify.

However, US officials noted that fans from certain countries subject to full or partial travel restrictions may still face challenges entering the US, even with World Cup tickets. While exemptions apply to athletes, team officials, support staff, and immediate family members, these exceptions do not extend to spectators.

The State Department said fans who are otherwise ineligible for visas under existing restrictions may still submit applications but could ultimately be denied entry to the United States.