Fans heading to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ can now access expedited visa interview appointments through the newly launched FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS).
The announcement was made at a landmark White House event attended by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the White House Task Force, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA PASS gives all match-ticket holders the opportunity to secure prioritised visa interview slots, marking a major milestone in preparations for what is expected to be the biggest and most inclusive World Cup in history.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a clear sign of the U.S. government’s commitment to welcoming fans from across the globe.
“America welcomes the world… 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,” Infantino said, while thanking U.S. leaders for their cooperation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraged fans to apply as soon as possible: “The United States is offering prioritized 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.”
More than six million tickets will be available for the tournament, which will be staged across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ticket holders in countries where visa interviews are required are urged to begin their applications immediately through the U.S. Department of State’s official portal. Additional information on FIFA PASS will be shared in early 2026.
Fans from Visa Waiver Program countries may instead apply for travel authorization through ESTA.
A joint FIFA–WTO study released earlier this year projects the 2026 World Cup to deliver significant economic benefits to the United States, including 185,000 full-time jobs, USD 30.5 billion in gross output, and USD 17.2 billion added to the national GDP.
