International football fans holding tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in the United States will benefit from an expedited visa application process, following the unveiling of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) by the U.S. Department of State.
The announcement was made during an event at the White House on Monday, attended by President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The FIFA PASS initiative is designed to tackle potential backlogs in visa processing ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in June 2026. Under the system, ticket holders will gain access to prioritized visa interview appointments. The scheduling system itself is slated to become available to eligible fans in early 2026.
While the new system fast-tracks the appointment process, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that eligibility for a visa remains the same.
“The United States is offering prioritized appointments so FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify,” Secretary Rubio stated. “The kick-off is coming up, so now is the time to apply. We’re honored to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history.”
Fans from countries requiring a U.S. visa are advised to apply immediately through the designated portal to take advantage of available interview appointments. Those from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may still be eligible to apply for visa-waiver travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the collaboration, noting that the measure underscores the tournament’s scale and inclusive nature.
“America welcomes the World,” said President Infantino. “We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history – and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and will span 16 Host Cities across North America: 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The U.S. alone will host 78 matches. With over six million tickets expected to be available, the tournament is projected to be a massive global event.
A recent study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat estimated that the tournament will generate substantial economic activity in the United States, including USD 30.5 billion in gross output, a USD 17.2 billion contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), and the creation of 185,000 full-time jobs.
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Girija Adhikari
View More PostsGirija Adhikari is a Nepali journalist, author, and press freedom advocate with over two decades of experience. He has worked with leading Nepali radio stations and publications, authored several books and poetry collections, and received top honors, including the Janasewa Shree award from the Government of Nepal. A former central committee member of the Nepal Press Union, he continues to champion independent journalism.
