The United States has unveiled a new visa appointment system, FIFA PASS, to prioritise interview slots for international fans holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in a bid to manage the expected surge in applications and ensure smoother processing ahead of the tournament.
Under the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, ticket holders who bought their places through FIFA will be able to request fast-tracked visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. The system is designed to prioritise scheduling, but not to shortcut any security or immigration checks: all standard vetting processes will still apply.
To meet the influx of demand, the U.S. State Department is deploying over 400 additional consular officers to “designated countries” globally. These officers will support extended consular operations, including double shifts, weekend hours, and the use of AI tools to automate routine tasks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that thanks to this ramp-up, visa appointment wait times have already improved in many regions: in roughly 80% of countries, applicants can now secure a slot within 60 days or less.
However, officials emphasise that having a World Cup ticket does not guarantee visa approval. The ticket provides access to a faster interview, not a guaranteed visa. Rubio stated, “We’re doing the same vetting as everybody else … The only difference here is, we’re moving them up in the queue.”
At the White House, FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined President Donald Trump to launch the system, calling it a “very concrete example” of America’s effort to welcome fans from across the globe. The event also featured key figures including Secretary Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and the U.S. World Cup Task Force led by Andrew Giuliani.
Financially, the World Cup represents a major opportunity for the U.S.: FIFA estimates that hosting the tournament could generate US$30.5 billion in economic activity, create tens of thousands of jobs, and contribute significantly to GDP.
For applicants, there are some important reminders: they must still use existing visa categories (such as B‑1/B‑2 or, where eligible, ESTA), there is no special “World Cup visa.” Meanwhile, the U.S. government is encouraging early visa applications given the expected demand surge.
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