The United States has rolled out a prioritised visa appointment system designed to streamline travel for fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The new system, called “Fifa Pass,” officially launched on Tuesday.
The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the US set to stage 78 of the 104 matches.
The competition runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, culminating with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, uncertainty remains over whether supporters from all qualifying nations will be allowed entry into the country.
First announced by Donald Trump in November, the initiative aims to help fans from countries experiencing severe visa appointment backlogs secure their slots in time for the tournament.
The US State Department, however, stressed that safety remains the top priority, noting that securing a Fifa Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval or entry. “Every applicant must still pass thorough security screening and vetting,” the Department said.
Citizens of countries under the US Visa Waiver Program, including most European nations such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia are exempt from Fifa Pass and will continue to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) for visits of up to 90 days. A senior State Department official said the system has already significantly improved access.
“In over 80 percent of countries, applicants are now able to schedule a visa appointment in less than 60 days. At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament. America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first.”
Recent policy shifts have sparked concerns for fans from 75 countries currently experiencing a pause in US immigrant visa processing.
The list includes five-time champions Brazil, along with 14 other World Cup-qualified nations such as Colombia, Egypt, Morocco, and Uruguay.
The State Department clarified that this pause applies only to permanent residency applications and does not affect non-immigrant visas required by tourists, media personnel, or participating athletes.
However, fans from nations subject to expanded travel restrictions including Haiti and Iran, face additional hurdles.
“The exception does not apply to fans or spectators,” the guidance emphasised, while noting that players, coaches, support staff, and their immediate families are exempt from the restrictions.
