U.S. Announces Priority Visa Appointment System for 2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders

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  Newsroom

• November 18, 2025

• Newsroom

U.S. Announces Priority Visa Appointment System for 2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders

The United States government announced today a new priority visa appointment system for foreign nationals who have already purchased official tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

President Donald Trump, joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, unveiled the initiative at the White House, calling it “a historic step to welcome the world to the biggest World Cup ever held.”

The new system, known as FIFA PASS – Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, will allow ticket holders to request expedited visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Applicants will be required to upload official proof of ticket purchase through a dedicated online portal.

How the Program Works

According to the U.S. Department of State:

• FIFA ticket holders will gain access to a fast-track appointment portal, significantly reducing waiting times.

• Over 400 additional consular officers have been deployed globally to handle the surge in applications.

• In roughly 80% of countries, visa appointment wait times are expected to fall to 60 days or less.

• Priority access applies solely to the appointment scheduling.
  Visa approval is not guaranteed and will continue to follow standard immigration and security procedures.

Official Statements

President Trump emphasized that the initiative is part of America’s commitment to hosting a record-setting global event:

“We want the world to come to the 2026 World Cup. If you already have your ticket, apply for your visa now. The United States is ready to welcome all fans.”

Gianni Infantino praised the move, calling it “a strong demonstration of the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for millions of fans.”

Secretary Marco Rubio highlighted the balance between efficiency and security:

“A ticket is not a visa — it simply provides faster access to the scheduling system. All applicants will still undergo full vetting, as required by U.S. law.”

Economic Impact

The 2026 World Cup is projected to generate more than $30 billion in economic activity across the United States and to create an estimated 200,000 jobs in sectors including tourism, transportation, hospitality, technology and sports infrastructure.

More than 6 to 7 million international tickets are expected to be sold, marking the largest global attendance demand in World Cup history.

Guidance for Fans

Ticket holders should:

• Keep their official FIFA proof of purchase.

• Monitor the release of the FIFA PASS online portal, which will open in the coming weeks.

• Begin the visa process early, even with prioritized access.

• Remember: priority scheduling does not guarantee visa issuance.

About the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches, across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The United States will host the majority of matches, including the opening game and the final.