FIFA to Simplify Visa Process for Traveling to the United States

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, FIFA and the U.S. State Department have announced the FIFA PASS, a system that provides ticket holders with priority access to visa interview appointments. This initiative was unveiled at an event at the White House attended by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. It aims to assist millions of fans expected in the United States. Starting in early 2026, fans who purchase tickets will be able to request expedited visa interviews, while travelers from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program can use the ESTA. This measure highlights the close collaboration between FIFA and U.S. authorities in preparation for an unprecedented event.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., with 11 venues in the U.S. for 78 matches, and is expected to draw record crowds, with over six million tickets available for sale. According to a joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization released earlier this year, the tournament will create a significant socio-economic impact, generating 185,000 full-time jobs, over €28 billion in gross production, and an estimated €16 billion contribution to the U.S. GDP. By facilitating access for supporters, the FIFA PASS is a key element of this effort to ensure a World Cup that is more accessible, inclusive, and safe than ever, particularly for fans from countries often “blacklisted” by the U.S., such as Iran, Mexico, and Colombia, which have strained diplomatic relations with Washington.