FIFA Pass Introduced to Expedite U.S. Visa Interviews for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders

The United States and FIFA have launched a new initiative called FIFA Pass, aimed at providing faster visa interview appointments for fans who purchase tickets to the 2026 World Cup through FIFA.

Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino discuss World Cup at the White House. Image: AP Archives

Under this program, ticket holders will access a dedicated portal that allows them to schedule priority visa interview slots at U.S. consulates worldwide. While the standard visa screening and approval process remains unaffected, FIFA Pass simply allows eligible fans to move ahead in the queue.

Key details of the rollout include:

• The U.S. government has dispatched more than 400 additional consular officers to handle increased visa volume linked to the tournament.

• In about 80% of the world, the estimated wait‑time for visa interview appointments has been reduced to 60 days or less through the program.

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump jointly announced FIFA Pass at the White House, underscoring the event’s global scale and the need to streamline travel for international fans.

While the expedited interview booking is a major benefit for fans holding official World Cup tickets, the visa itself is not guaranteed—each applicant will still undergo standard consular vetting and may face normal approval processes.

In short, FIFA Pass offers an accelerated pathway to book visa interviews for eligible ticket holders—while maintaining the same security and screening standards. For fans planning trips to the 2026 tournament, early ticket purchase and visa application remain key to taking full advantage of this new system.