Key Points:
- The “FIFA PASS” allows match ticket holders to access a priority calendar for U.S. visa interview appointments.
- Increased staffing at embassies aims to lower wait times from over a year to under two months in most regions.
- Fast-tracking an appointment does not guarantee visa approval or legal entry into the United States.
The United States government has officially launched a priority visa system to handle the millions of international soccer fans expected for the 2026 World Cup. This new initiative, known as the FIFA PASS, aims to slash wait times for consular appointments across the globe. Announced jointly by the White House and FIFA leadership, the program moves ticket-holding fans to the front of the line at U.S. embassies.
Wait times for tourist visas in several regions currently stretch for hundreds of days, creating a significant barrier for travelers. The State Department has responded by surging over 400 additional consular officers to high-demand posts in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Authorities estimate that this specialized scheduling lane could reduce interview wait times to approximately 60 days or fewer.
To access the priority channel, fans must first purchase an official match ticket through the FIFA website. Early in 2026, eligible ticket holders will receive specific instructions on how to opt into the FIFA PASS system. This digital bridge allows travelers to secure earlier interview dates than standard applicants who are not attending the tournament.
Despite this administrative acceleration, the underlying security requirements for entering the United States remain strictly unchanged. Every international visitor must still complete the standard DS-160 application form and undergo a rigorous in-person interview. Consular officers will conduct the same level of background checks and vetting procedures required for any other non-immigrant traveler.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized during the announcement that an expedited appointment does not equate to a guaranteed entry. Fans must still prove they meet the legal requirements for a B1/B2 visitor visa during their consular meeting. This includes demonstrating strong ties to their home country and the financial means to support their stay.
The tournament will feature 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While demand for tickets remains record-breaking, officials warn that a match pass is not a substitute for a legal travel document. Fans from countries under the Visa Waiver Program must still apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) well in advance.
Economic forecasts suggest the 2026 World Cup could generate up to $30 billion and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. The White House view of the event as a massive showcase for the country has fueled these aggressive policy changes. Organizers expect between five and ten million people to visit the United States during the competition period.
Experts recommend that fans who require a visa should start their application process as soon as they secure their match tickets. Waiting until the final months before the June kickoff could lead to logistical bottlenecks despite the added staff. The goal is to ensure every legitimate fan can celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event in person.
