US launches FIFA PASS to expedite World Cup 2026 visa interviews

US visa. The FIFA Pass scheme will allow ticket holders to get faster appointments at US embassies. (Photo: Freepik)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Tuesday, November 18, 2025

With FIFA PASS, organisers and US authorities aim to provide a smoother travel experience for fans, ensuring that the 2026 World Cup is accessible, safe, and well-organised for supporters from across the globe.

Fans planning to travel to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will now have a faster way to secure their visas, thanks to a new priority appointment system.

The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, called FIFA PASS, will allow ticket holders to schedule expedited visa interviews, helping them avoid delays as the tournament approaches.

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The World Cup will be hosted for the first time with 48 teams, spanning cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The announcement was made during a high-profile event at the White House, attended by President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and members of the White House Task Force.

The initiative highlights a close collaboration between FIFA and US authorities to ensure fans from around the world can travel smoothly to the tournament.

Gianni Infantino welcomed the move, saying: “America welcomes the World. 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 US is set to welcome fans from around the world on an unprecedented scale, and we are preparing to ensure that football unites the world when the tournament kicks off in North America next June,” he added

Rubio urged fans to act promptly.

“The United States is offering prioritised appointments so FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify. The kick-off is coming up, so now is the time to apply. We’re honoured to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history,” he stated.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature over six million tickets across 16 host cities. 11 of those cities are in the United States, which will stage 78 matches.

Fans in countries with available visa interview slots are encouraged to apply immediately through the US Department of State website.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may also be eligible to travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Earlier studies conducted by FIFA and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) projected significant economic benefits from the tournament.

The event is expected to create 185,000 full-time jobs, generate $30.5 billion (Sh3.9 trillion) in economic output, and contribute $17.2 billion (Sh2.2 trillion) to the US GDP.