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US to Fast-Track Visa Appointments for FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Holders

January 23, 2026 5:10 am

US to Fast-Track Visa Appointments for FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Holders

Are you planning to travel to the US for the FIFA World Cup 2026? Good news awaits! Ticket holders who purchased tickets directly from FIFA can now access priority visa appointment slots through FIFA PASS. This new initiative simplifies the visa application process, making it easier for dedicated football fans to attend the event.

Key Changes for World Cup Fans

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders who bought their tickets through FIFA have priority access for US visa interviews. To take advantage of this, travelers must enroll in FIFA PASS on the official FIFA website. Once registered, they can request an expedited appointment when applying for their US visas.

What is FIFA PASS?

FIFA PASS is an opt-in service designed for confirmed ticket holders. After registration, applicants link their ticket details to their visa application. Here’s how it helps:

Faster Visa Interview Access: Ticket holders receive prioritized interview slots.
No Skipped Security Checks: All standard security checks still apply.
No Guarantee of Approval: Applicants must meet US visa requirements.

In essence, FIFA PASS streamlines the process without guaranteeing visa approval.

Why This Matters

The current demand for US visas is rising, leading to extended appointment wait times globally, particularly for visitor visas. Recently, the US imposed new immigration restrictions affecting citizens from about 75 countries. While these measures aim to enhance immigration control and security, they have caused uncertainty among travelers.

In this context, FIFA PASS reassures World Cup attendees. It highlights that short-term sports travel is viewed differently from immigration concerns, providing a welcome sense of relief for fans.

Overview of FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the largest tournament yet. With the US, Canada, and Mexico as hosts:

48 Teams Will Compete: An increase from the usual 32.
Matches Across multiple US Cities: Broadening the event’s reach.
Millions of Visitors Expected: Effective visa management is crucial for this influx.

Next Steps for Travelers

If you plan to attend matches in the US, keep these tips in mind:

Purchase Tickets via Official Channels: Ensure legitimacy.
Enroll in FIFA PASS Early: Secure your priority status.
Apply for Your US Visa Ahead of Time: Factor in processing times.
Keep Documentation Clear and Honest: Simplicity helps avoid delays.

Don’t procrastinate; even expedited appointments require adequate processing time.

Conclusion

Although the US is tightening its immigration laws, it has introduced measures to accommodate genuine short-term visitors, such as World Cup fans. The priority visa appointment option offers a practical solution to reduce anxiety and uncertainty. While it does not alter existing visa requirements, this initiative simplifies the path to experiencing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. For many travelers, this is indeed a significant advantage!