FIFA PASS: Faster U.S. Visa Interviews for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders
FIFA PASS ticket holders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup can use their FIFA PASS to get priority visas to the US. Learn how the system works and what travelers need to know
Fans planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have gained an important advantage. FIFA, together with the US government, have launched FIFA PASS, a priority appointment system for tourist visa interviews.
The option is available only to ticket holders purchased directly from FIFA and allows you to get early slots for a visa interview. Although FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval, it can significantly reduce the waiting time, we tell you.
Applying for a visa to the United States is not only about the DS-160 form, but also about the right strategy, reasoning about the purpose of the trip and preparing supporting documents.
Immigration lawyers and visa specialists will help you avoid common mistakes, correctly prepare a package of documents and increase your chances of successfully passing the interview.
Get professional advice and support at every stage of the application process.
What has changed for fans of the 2026 World Cup?
Starting in 2026, FIFA Official Ticket holders can:
1. Apply for a priority visa interview for the United States;
2. Take advantage of special time slots before the tournament starts;
3. Confirm the purpose of the trip as a short-term sporting trip.
The program is valid for tourist visas (B1/B2) only and does not waive standard security checks.
What is FIFA PASS?
FIFA PASS is a priority visa interview scheduling system for confirmed ticket holders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
How the FIFA PASS system works: a step-by-step guide
The FIFA PASS priority interview scheduling system is designed for fans who have purchased tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup directly from FIFA and want to have time to apply for a visa before the tournament starts. Below, we will explain step-by-step how to use the FIFA PASS.
Step 1: Register for FIFA PASS
Log in to your FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS registration form.
Important! If you received your ticket via the FIFA Ticket Transfer feature, you will need to create a FIFA Ticket Selling Account (if you do not already have one), agree to all applicable terms and conditions and accept the transfer before you can submit your FIFA PASS subscription form.
Step 2: Submit your visa application
During the standard US visa application process, you will need to:
- Select your country of citizenship or residence;
- Complete the DS-160 form;
- Upload a current photograph;
- Pay the consular fee.
Step 3: Schedule your interview
When booking your interview, the system will ask if you are a FIFA Ticket holder. Be sure to select “Yes”.
If the information in your FIFA PASS matches the information in your visa application, you will be granted access to priority interview slots.
Important! The opportunity to register may not appear earlier than 1 hour after submitting your FIFA PASS form.
What does FIFA PASS do – and what does it not do?
FIFA PASS provides:
- Access to earlier interview dates;
- The opportunity to have an interview before the tournament starts;
- Reduced risk of delays due to queues.
FIFA PASS DOES NOT provide:
- Guarantees of obtaining a visa;
- Exemption from security checks;
- Exceptions to existing entry bans or restrictions.
Important Legal Restrictions for FIFA PASS
FIFA PASS does not change US immigration law and does not provide exemptions in the following cases:
- Presidential Proclamation 10998
Entry bans and restrictions for citizens of certain countries remain in effect.
Exceptions apply to athletes and officials, but not to fans, even with a FIFA PASS.
- Visa Deposit
If your country requires a B1/B2 visa deposit, it must be paid regardless of the FIFA PASS.
- Location of application
You can only schedule an interview in your country of citizenship or legal residence.
FIFA PASS does not allow interviews in third countries (except for Colombian citizens in Panama City).
What should travelers do now?
1. Only purchase tickets through official FIFA channels.
2. Register for FIFA PASS as early as possible.
3. Do not delay applying for a visa.
4. Prepare honest and understandable documents.
5. Plan your route taking into account the type and validity period of the visa.
6. Even with priority, visa processing takes time.
Despite the tightening of immigration policy, the USA makes an exception for short-term trips to major sporting events. FIFA PASS does not change the rules of the game, but allows you to play faster.
For fans of the 2026 World Cup, this is a real opportunity to reduce stress and better prepare for the trip.
If you have already had refusals, an unusual situation with documents or doubts about meeting the requirements of a US visa, migration specialists will help you find a solution.
Specialists analyze your case, prepare for an interview and accompany the visa application process, taking into account all the nuances.
Entrust the preparation of documents to experts and reduce the risks of refusal.
Let us remind you! Planning a trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico? We have already told you why booking flights, hotels and visas early can save you money and help you avoid travel problems.
Photo - generated by Gemini
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in the USA;
Legal advice on immigration to the USA;
Travel insurance for foreigners in the USA;
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.
Recommended articles
1 min
Residence permit
The US has been suspending visa processing for citizens of 75 countries since January 21 and has already massively canceled over 100,000 visas for 2025. Find out who is at risk, the reasons for the decisions, and what applicants should do
14 sty. 2026
More details2 min
Expats
Henley & Partners has released the updated Passport Index for 2026. Discover the world’s most powerful passports, top-ranked countries, and key global mobility trends
17 sty. 2026
More details1 min
Travels
Gaming vacations are the new travel trend. Find out which real-life locations from Assassin’s Creed, GTA, The Witcher and Ghost of Tsushima are worth visiting in France, the USA, Japan and Norway
24 sty. 2026
More details1 min
Travels
New travel rules in 2026: ETIAS, ETA, visa-free travel and digital arrival cards
Many countries will introduce new requirements for tourists in 2026: ETIAS in the EU, ETA in the UK, updated ESTA for the US and digital arrival cards. Find out what will change and how to prepare for your travels in advance
25 sty. 2026
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.