The US State Department has unveiled the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), to ease the US visa acquisition process for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders seeking to witness the global showpiece.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by Canada, United States of America (USA), and Mexico, across 16 cities.

When a fan buys a ticket out of a pool of over 6 million available for the tournament, the FIFA PASS programme gives them access to a prioritised visa interview. 

“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. We’re honoured to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained further.

This was announced during a landmark event at the White House. 

In attendance were the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the White House Task Force and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The announcement adds to the build-up to the games, demonstrating an exciting collaboration between FIFA and the White House Task Force in delivering a spectacular worldwide event.

“America welcomes the world. We have always said that 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,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked. 

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Executive Director Andrew Giuliani and the White House Task Force for their incredible support.”

“The United States is set to welcome fans from around the world on an unprecedented scale, and we are preparing to ensure that football unites the world when the tournament kicks off in North America next June,” Mr Infantino continued.

FIFA has encouraged fans who are in countries with available interview appointments and need a US visa to apply with immediate effect at: FIFA World Cup 2026™ - United States Department of State.

Further information regarding the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System will be shared with ticket holders in early 2026.

In addition, fans from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be eligible to apply for visa waiver travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA).

The FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat estimates the games will create 185,000 full-time jobs, deliver US$30.5 billion in gross output, and contribute US$17.2 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the USA. 

There is more on visas and entry requirements to all three host countries here.