US travellers applying for B1/B2 visas have something to cheer about now. FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders travelling to the US are now eligible for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). This service gives every fan who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritised visa interview.
B1/B2 visas will be mandatory for fans traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Foreign fans who do not fall under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must secure a valid B1/B2 visitor visa before their trip.
The B1/B2 visa will allow fans to enter the U.S. for tourism-related activities, including attending FIFA World Cup matches.
FIFA PASS
Led by the U.S. Department of State, the initiative gives ticket holders access to priority visa interview appointments ahead of the tournament. FIFA PASS for ticket holders will be available in early 2026.
Fans who are in countries with available interview appointments and need a U.S. visa can even apply now. In addition, fans from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be eligible to apply for visa waiver travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA).
The United States is providing prioritized visa interview appointments for FIFA World Cup ticket holders to demonstrate their eligibility for premium processing.
FIFA World Cup 2026
Over six million tickets will be available for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Eleven U.S. cities will host 78 matches throughout the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, along with three cities in Mexico and two cities in Canada.
FIFA fans need to be aware that one is not required to have a FIFA World Cup 26 ticket to apply for a visa, and obtaining a visa does not guarantee the purchase or allocation of a FIFA World Cup 26 ticket.