Raphael Oni
The U.S. Department of State has announced a new initiative to support FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders traveling to the United States. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) will provide priority visa interview appointments for ticket holders, making it easier for fans to attend the tournament.
This landmark initiative was unveiled at the White House, attended by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and other officials. FIFA PASS is available to ticket holders attending matches in the United States, giving them access to expedited visa interviews.
Key Details:
Eligibility: FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders traveling to the United States
Application Process: Apply immediately at the U.S. Department of State website
Availability: FIFA PASS will be available in early 2026
Host Cities: 11 U.S. cities, 3 Mexican cities, and 2 Canadian cities
Matches: 78 matches in the U.S., part of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the initiative, 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”.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of timely applications, stating, “The United States is offering prioritized appointments so FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify”.
Over six million tickets will be available for the tournament, expected to generate significant economic benefits, including 185,000 full-time jobs and $30.5 billion in gross output.
