FIFA Pass: U.S. speeds up visas for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA Pass: U.S. speeds up visas for the 2026 World Cup

28-11-25

The organizing authorities of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 11–July 19, 2026) have taken a significant step to facilitate the arrival of international fans to the United States through a new program called FIFA Pass, a system of priority appointments for visa issuance aimed at those who have purchased official tickets for the tournament. This mechanism responds to forecasts that between five and ten million people could travel to North America to follow an event that will feature 48 national teams and 104 matches, in what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history.

The announcement was made by the President of the United States and the FIFA president, who stressed that the initiative seeks to “prevent long waiting times at consulates and embassies from discouraging the arrival of visitors.” Under this plan, verified ticket buyers for the World Cup can request an expedited visa interview through the so-called “FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System.” However, it is explicitly clarified that purchasing a match ticket does not guarantee the granting of a visa, since the usual security controls, interviews and background checks applied to any applicant remain fully in force.

To handle the expected volume of applications, the U.S. Department of State has deployed more than 400 new consular officers around the world, in some cases doubling staff in strategic markets. This institutional reinforcement comes in the context of a sensitive political climate in migration matters, as since mid-2025 the U.S. administration has imposed entry restrictions on citizens from certain regions of Africa and the Middle East, citing national security reasons. Although the participating teams will not be affected, delays have already been reported for sports delegations’ visas, generating concern within the international community.

The economic and promotional dimension of the 2026 World Cup is equally significant. Projections estimate an impact of more than 5 billion dollars on the U.S. economy, with direct benefits for sectors such as hospitality, airlines, restaurants and local commerce in the host cities. Destinations like Atlanta, Miami, New York, Dallas and Los Angeles are preparing for one of the largest waves of visitors in their history. For fans traveling from Europe, Latin America or Asia, the FIFA Pass service represents a decisive opportunity to shorten processing times that, in some countries, can exceed six months.

Beyond migration logistics, the program represents a strategic communication move by the United States: projecting the image of an open and welcoming country in the context of a major global event. If the system works as planned, it could become a model for future mega sporting events. On the other hand, any malfunction could damage the international reputation of both the World Cup and the host nation. With ticket sales already breaking records and the official draw scheduled for December 2025, the countdown has begun. Facilitated visa procedures now appear as a key piece to ensure that stadiums across North America are filled with the passion and support of millions of fans from around the world.

FIFA Pass consolidates a new form of institutional adaptation to address the growing demands of international mobility in large-scale contexts. For those who dream of traveling to the World Cup, it offers a faster track, but it does not remove the responsibilities and requirements that any trip to the United States entails. The initiative focuses on a dual goal: ensuring a smooth flow of fan arrivals while maintaining consular security standards. If the formula delivers as expected, it will not only bring the tournament closer to record-breaking international attendance, but also open the door to a more efficient way of managing major tourism and sports flows in an increasingly globalized world.

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