The U.S. government is ramping up efforts to welcome millions of international fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it starts with a visa and the FIFA PASS.
President Donald Trump announced the new FIFA PASS program in November, stating that the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working “tirelessly” to “ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily.”
“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within the power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. I think it’s going to be the greatest, and we are setting records on ticket sales,” Trump said at the time.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the collaboration, noting that they expect “between 5 and 10 million people coming to America from… all over the world to enjoy the World Cup.”
“With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket that are legitimate football fans, or soccer fans… they can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions – starting from getting their visa and then coming, of course, in the country to enjoy,” Infantino said in the Oval Office.
Trump strongly encouraged fans to apply early, urging ticketholders to seek their visas “right away.”
What Is FIFA PASS?
FIFA PASS stands for FIFA Priority Appointment Schedule System. It’s a special program created by the U.S. government to help international fans get priority visa interview appointments before the World Cup begins on June 11, 2026.
If you’re from a country that requires a visa to enter the U.S., and you already have tickets to World Cup matches, FIFA PASS lets you schedule your visa interview faster, even if regular appointments are booked out.
However, it does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must still complete the U.S. visa process and pass security screening.
Who Qualifies for FIFA PASS?
To be eligible, you must:
Have a valid FIFA World Cup 2026 match ticket
Be from a country that requires a U.S. visa
Complete the DS-160 visa application and pay the visa fee
Opt in to the FIFA PASS program via the FIFA ticket portal
Use the same personal details across both applications
Once matched, you’ll gain access to priority appointment slots at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
Important Note: On January 21, 2026, the U.S. implemented a temporary immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries considered high-risk for public benefit dependency. While this does not impact tourist visas for World Cup travel, it has caused confusion among applicants.
Who Doesn’t Need FIFA PASS?
If you’re from a Visa Waiver Program country, you don’t need a tourist visa for short trips. Instead, you can apply for an ESTA and enter the U.S. without going through a visa interview.
Visa Waiver countries include:
Most of Western Europe (e.g., France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy)
Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and more
Remember: If you’re planning to attend matches in Canada or Mexico, you’ll need to follow their entry rules separately.
Step-by-Step: How to Use FIFA PASS
Buy your World Cup ticket from the official FIFA platform.
Opt in to FIFA PASS when prompted during or after your purchase.
Fill out the DS-160 visa application online and pay the fee.
When scheduling your interview, answer “Yes” to the FIFA PASS question.
Choose from the priority appointment slots that appear.
If your current interview date is already scheduled before May 31, 2026, you do not need FIFA PASS.
Why Is FIFA PASS Important?
U.S. visa wait times are long in many countries. Without this, some fans wouldn’t get an interview before the tournament ends.
That’s why the U.S. is deploying 500 extra consular officers to process visa applications ahead of the event. FIFA PASS ensures real fans with real tickets get a fair chance to enter.
But time is limited. Appointments are first come, first served.
Important Deadlines and Tips
Start your application as soon as possible
Double-check that your DS-160 info matches your FIFA ticket data
Apply for ESTA if you’re from a Visa Waiver country
Don’t wait until May: early action = better chance
Prepare documents to show your ties to your home country and plans to return after the tournament ends on July 19, 2026
What FIFA PASS Doesn’t Do
It helps you get an earlier visa interview. It does not:
Guarantee that your visa will be approved
Bypass background checks or legal requirements
Replace the regular visa process
You must still prove that you’re eligible to enter the U.S. as a temporary visitor (usually on a B-2 tourist visa).
Is the World Cup Just the Beginning of Your U.S. Journey?
FIFA PASS helps fans get to the games, but for many, the World Cup is just the beginning.
If you’re thinking about building something long-term in the U.S., starting a business, expanding your company, applying for a work visa or investing, Loigica can help.
We specialize in:
- E-2 and L-1 investor visas
- EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based immigration
- Strategic change of status options
- Business and tax structuring for foreign entrepreneurs
Talk to our immigration attorneys if the 2026 World Cup is your gateway to a bigger plan in the United States.
