dIn a move that promises to reshape the travel experience for millions of football fans, the United States has rolled out a new mechanism to speed up visa interviews for visitors heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative, informally known as the FIFA Pass, has been unveiled just months before the tournament kicks off across the US, Canada, and Mexico. With ticket sales already soaring and global interest reaching fever pitch, Washington is trying to strike a balance between welcoming fans and maintaining its tightened immigration protocols.
The FIFA Pass is essentially a fast-lane system: travellers who purchase match tickets through FIFA will be able to access a dedicated portal that moves them up the queue for visa appointments. While it does not guarantee entry into the US, it ensures that interview wait times shrink drastically—down to six to eight weeks in many regions. This comes as a much-needed relief for countries where appointments had stretched into double-digit months, from Brazil’s long-dreaded queues to the nearly year-long backlog in Toronto for non-Canadian residents.
The initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to make the 2026 World Cup a global showpiece. He has repeatedly positioned the tournament as a major milestone for his administration and for the US, which is also preparing to mark its 250th year of independence in 2026. At the White House, he emphasised that the country wants to host fans in large numbers, but without compromising on vetting or security. The FIFA Pass accelerates the appointment, not the approval, according to the officials.
FIFA is projecting one of the biggest crowd movements in sporting history. Between five and ten million international visitors could travel to North America for the event, joining domestic fans across 104 matches. More than a million tickets have already been sold to buyers from over 200 countries and territories. To prepare for the surge, the US State Department has sent over 400 additional consular officers to embassies worldwide, in some cases doubling local staff. The result is a noticeable drop in wait times, with nearly 80 per cent of applicants now able to secure an appointment within 60 days.
For many fans, particularly those from regions with historically long processing windows, this system could make the difference between catching a live match and watching it from home after months of administrative limbo. In some cases, however, the fast-track may still not be enough. Stricter immigration checks—ranging from social media screening to background flags related to legal or political activity—have contributed to a spike in visa revocations this year, especially under the administration’s renewed watch on security threats and policy compliance.
In typical Trump fashion, the rollout of the FIFA Pass carries a political edge. He has publicly hinted that World Cup matches could be relocated from cities he deems unsafe or mismanaged, with Seattle and Los Angeles singled out in recent remarks. He suggested he would not hesitate to move games to more cooperative host cities or deploy federal support where needed, all in the name of creating the safest possible environment for visiting fans.
Even as the visa fast-track system aims to make the tournament more accessible, questions linger about fans from countries affected by the administration’s travel bans. Some nations with qualified teams continue to face sweeping restrictions, meaning supporters may still be blocked from entry regardless of their FIFA Pass status. Officials have clarified that athletes and coaching staff are exempt under certain provisions, but regular fans may find themselves caught in regulatory crosswinds.
Yet, despite the political undercurrents, the enthusiasm from global football leadership remains strong. With unprecedented ticket sales, expanded match schedules, and an entire continent gearing up to host the biggest World Cup ever staged, the US is preparing to welcome the world—with a slightly longer immigration checklist and a brand-new express lane.
1. What is the FIFA Pass?
The FIFA Pass is a fast-track system for US visa interviews, letting World Cup ticket holders move ahead in the appointment queue.
2. Does it guarantee entry into the US?
No. The FIFA Pass speeds up visa interviews, but all standard background checks and entry requirements still apply.
3. Who is eligible for the FIFA Pass?
International travellers who have purchased FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets through the official FIFA portal can use the fast-track system.
4. How quickly can ticket holders get a visa interview?
Depending on the region, ticket holders can secure appointments within six to eight weeks, a significant reduction from previous wait times.
5. Are there any exceptions or restrictions?
Yes. Some countries under US travel restrictions may still face entry limits, though athletes and coaching staff are generally exempt.