The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 just got a lot smoother. With millions of fans expected to travel to the United States in 2026 for the biggest football event on the planet, the U.S. has rolled out the FIFA Pass 2026—a special, fan-focused initiative designed to cut through long visa interview wait times and help genuine World Cup visitors reach the stadiums on time.
This is not just another headline. For fans stuck in countries where U.S. visa appointments can take months, the FIFA Pass could be the difference between watching history live—or from a screen back home.
What Exactly Is the FIFA Pass?
The FIFA Pass is not a new US visa category. Instead, it is a priority US visa interview pathway created specifically for confirmed FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders.
In simple terms:
- You still apply for a regular U.S. short-term visitor visa.
- But with the FIFA Pass, you can access faster interview slots, bypassing some of the usual waiting backlog.
- Visa rules, screening, and approval standards remain exactly the same.
Think of it as a fast lane to the interview, not a shortcut to approval.
Why the U.S. Introduced the FIFA Pass?
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with matches spread across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—and the U.S. hosting the majority of games. Visa backlogs were a real threat to fan travel.
The FIFA Pass exists to:
- Reduce visa interview delays for genuine fans
- Help embassies manage the World Cup travel surge
- Ensure fans arrive legally, on time, and stress-free
Where Can You Travel in the U.S. With It?
The FIFA Pass itself does not restrict where you can go. Once you receive your U.S. visitor visa, you can travel freely within the United States under normal visa rules for FIFA Pass. That includes all U.S. World Cup host cities, such as:
- Los Angeles
- New York / New Jersey
- Miami
- Dallas
- Houston
- Atlanta
- Seattle
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Kansas City
Whether you’re following one team or planning a cross-country football road trip, the visa works like any standard U.S. visitor visa.
Which Countries Can Use the FIFA Pass?
The FIFA Pass is relevant for fans who require a US visa to enter the United States.
In practical terms:
- If your passport requires a U.S. visa, you may be eligible
- If you travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), you usually won’t need it
- The FIFA Pass does not override travel bans or sanctions, where applicable
There is no fixed public country list—it depends on whether your nationality normally requires a U.S. visa.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?
You may qualify for the FIFA Pass if:
- You are a confirmed FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holder
- You plan to travel to the United States for the tournament
- You require a U.S. visa interview
- You opt in through FIFA’s official ticketing system when invited.
In many cases, accompanying spouses and minor children traveling with the ticket holder may also benefit from the same priority interview access.
Application Process: How It Works
The process is intentionally simple and familiar:
- Secure your official FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket
- Opt in to the FIFA Pass through instructions provided by FIFA’s ticketing platform
- Apply for your U.S. visitor visa using the normal application system
- Schedule your interview using the priority appointment option, where available
- Attend the interview and complete standard visa checks.
- US FIFA Pass: https://www.state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26-visas
Nothing changes about visa decision rules—only the speed of getting interviewed does.
FIFA Pass Fees: What Will It Cost?
- FIFA Pass: No separate or special fee announced
- U.S. Visitor Visa Fee: You pay the standard visa application fee for your visa category
- Additional fees: May apply depending on nationality (issuance or reciprocity fees)
In short, you pay what you would normally pay—no premium surcharge for the FIFA Pass itself.
Final Takeaway for Global FIFA Fans!
The FIFA Pass is a smart, targeted solution for one of the biggest challenges international fans face—visa delays. If you need a U.S. visa and dream of watching the World Cup live in packed American stadiums, this initiative could be your golden window.
For serious fans, the message is clear:
Secure your ticket early, opt in fast, prepare your documents, and beat the visa rush.
World Cup moments wait for no one.