FIFA Launches ‘FIFA Pass’ to Fast-Tract US Visa Appointments for 2026 World Cup Fans

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump have jointly announced a new initiative the “FIFA Pass”, aimed at easing and speeding up the visa process for international fans travelling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA Pass will give priority access to US visa appointments for foreign spectators who have already purchased match tickets. Under the scheme, eligible fans can expect shorter wait times for scheduling their visa interviews, a move officials say will reduce last-minute travel bottlenecks ahead of the tournament.

Despite the new fast-track option, authorities stressed that the core visa application and vetting procedures remain exactly the same. Having a World Cup ticket does not guarantee visa approval or entry into the United States, and all applicants must still meet standard immigration requirements.

Trump and Infantino encouraged football fans to begin their visa applications as early as possible, warning that waiting too close to the tournament could still lead to delays due to high global demand.

With millions of supporters expected to travel to North America for the first World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, officials say the FIFA Pass is designed to streamline travel logistics and ensure smoother entry for international visitors.

Organisers highlighted that the initiative is meant to improve convenience, not to bypass security checks, by giving ticket-holding fans a more efficient path to securing their visa appointments ahead of the 2026 competition.