On November 17, a new initiative was announced that will prioritize visa appointments for international visitors with tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, “FIFA,” shared the news in a press release. Ticket holders for next year’s games in the United States are now eligible to take advantage of the “FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System,” aka the “FIFA PASS.” The initiative will essentially provide priority scheduling for visa interviews to those who’ve purchased tickets for FIFA World Cup matches happening in the U.S. next year.
Ticket holders are encouraged to visit the State Department’s designated webpage for visas for those attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They’ll need to select the country for which they hold a passport to get more information about obtaining their visa.
The press release highlighted that the initiative underscores the “close collaboration” between FIFA and the White House Task Force President Donald Trump designated to handle matters related to next year’s World Cup.
What Else Is There To Know About The 2026 FIFA World Cup And Expedited Visas?
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “The United States is offering prioritized appointments so FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify. The kickoff is coming up, so now is the time to apply. We’re honored to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history.”
“We’re making sure that people who come in on these tourist visas are coming in thoroughly vetted just like anyone who would travel here, and they would come and enjoy our country and then they would go home and in a timely manner,” noted U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “And we’re excited to partner with the President on creating memories for people around the world that will make them not just fall in love with the United States but also fall in love with the sport of soccer.”
Next year’s FIFA World Cup will take place throughout June 2026 and into July across North America. The majority of the matches are spread across the U.S. There will be several games in Atlanta, Georgia; Inglewood, California; Arlington, Texas; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Seattle, Washington; Miami Gardens, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; and other U.S. cities. Other locations for the matches will be in Canada and Mexico.
