The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued a significant update to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), formally establishing eligibility for a B-1 (business visitor) visa for FIFA-accredited international volunteers supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.
The policy change, contained in an update dated December 4, 2025, provides a clear pathway for individuals selected to assist with the major sporting event.
Under the new guidance, an applicant who has been officially selected and accredited by FIFA to participate as a volunteer during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States may be issued a B-1 visa.
A critical condition for B-1 classification is the requirement that the applicant “may not receive a salary or payment for services proposed in this section from FIFA or any other source”. This stipulation aligns with the nature of the FIFA Volunteer Programme, which is an unpaid role, though volunteers are typically provided with non-monetary benefits such as meals, uniforms, and accreditation.
The B-1 visa is generally intended for non-immigrants traveling to the U.S. temporarily for business-related activities. In this context, the visa recognizes the non-compensated, temporary support role these individuals will play in delivering the international sporting event.
The update comes as volunteer recruitment ramps up for the 2026 tournament, which is being hosted across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. FIFA is expected to recruit approximately 65,000 volunteers across North America for the expanded 48-team event, making it the largest volunteer program in the tournament’s history.
Prospective volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of eight shifts during the tournament, which is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The volunteer application and selection process includes tryouts and training, with role offers staggered and expected to be sent between December 2025 and March 2026.
For volunteers who are not citizens of a Visa Waiver Program country, the B-1 visa will be the necessary document to obtain entry and participate in the tournament’s various functional areas, which include fan engagement, event transport, and accreditation services. The DOS continues to advise all international travelers, including fans and personnel, to secure their necessary travel documents and apply for visas well in advance.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
