Visa applicants planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be able to access faster US visa appointment options if they can prove they hold valid match tickets, according to official guidance issued by US authorities ahead of the tournament. The measure is intended to manage the anticipated surge in short-term visitors as the United States prepares to host a large share of the competition.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the majority of matches scheduled to take place in the US. With millions of international visitors expected, US consular services have begun outlining mechanisms to prioritise temporary travel linked specifically to the tournament.
Under the arrangement, World Cup ticket holders applying for US visitor visas will be eligible to request earlier visa interview appointments, subject to standard security and eligibility checks. The policy does not waive visa requirements, nor does it guarantee visa approval, but it provides a pathway to quicker processing for verified attendees.
What has been announced
US consular officials have confirmed that visa applicants who can demonstrate legitimate plans to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 may qualify for expedited visa appointments. This applies primarily to B-1 and B-2 visitor visa categories, which cover business and tourism travel.
The expedited process focuses on interview scheduling rather than adjudication standards. Applicants must still complete the standard DS-160 visa application, pay the required fees, and meet all eligibility criteria. Consular officers retain full discretion to approve or refuse applications based on US immigration law.
The faster appointment option is designed to prevent bottlenecks as demand increases closer to the tournament. Without prioritisation, embassies and consulates could face severe delays that would affect not only sports fans but other categories of travellers.
Who Qualifies for Faster Appointments
Eligibility for expedited appointments is tied directly to proof of World Cup attendance. Applicants must be able to show that they have purchased official FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets or hold recognised tournament-related credentials.
This benefit is available only to applicants who genuinely intend to travel for the tournament. It does not apply to individuals using the event as a pretext for unrelated travel, employment, or long-term stays.
Applicants who already hold valid US visas do not need to apply again and are not affected by the policy. The measure is targeted at nationals of countries that require visas to enter the United States.
What Is FIFA PASS and How It Helps
FIFA PASS is the digital identification and ticket management system used by FIFA for its major tournaments, including the World Cup. It serves as the central platform through which fans purchase, store, and manage match tickets and related credentials.
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA PASS functions as the official proof of ticket ownership. Each ticket holder is issued a digital pass linked to their personal details, which can be accessed through FIFA’s authorised platforms. This system allows organisers and authorities to verify ticket authenticity and ownership.
In the context of US visa applications, FIFA PASS plays a key role by providing verifiable evidence that an applicant is a legitimate World Cup attendee. Visa applicants can present their FIFA PASS confirmation or ticket allocation details as part of an expedited appointment request.
US consular services rely on such documentation to differentiate genuine event-related travellers from general applicants. FIFA PASS reduces the risk of fraudulent claims and ensures that priority is given only to those with confirmed plans tied to the tournament.
It is important to note that FIFA PASS does not replace a visa, nor does it confer any immigration status. It simply supports an applicant’s request for a faster interview by confirming their connection to the World Cup.
How The Expedited Process Works
Applicants seeking faster appointments must first submit a complete visa application through the standard process. After paying the visa fee and creating a profile on the US visa scheduling system, eligible applicants can request an expedited interview.
When making the request, applicants are required to upload or present evidence of World Cup ticket ownership, typically through FIFA PASS documentation. Consular staff review the request and decide whether to grant an earlier appointment slot.
If approved, the applicant is assigned an interview date sooner than would normally be available. If denied, the applicant retains their original appointment and can proceed through the standard timeline.
The expedited process affects only scheduling. Processing times after the interview may still vary depending on individual circumstances, including background checks or additional administrative review.
What The Policy Does Not Change
The faster appointment option does not alter US immigration law or visa eligibility rules. Applicants must still demonstrate strong ties to their home country, the purpose of travel, and intent to leave the United States after the tournament.
Holding a World Cup ticket does not guarantee visa issuance. Consular officers assess each application on its own merits, and refusals remain possible even under expedited processing.
The policy also does not extend to other categories of travel, such as employment, study, or permanent residence. It is strictly limited to short-term visits related to the tournament.
Why The US is Offering Priority Appointments
The United States has previously implemented similar measures for major international events, including global sporting competitions and large-scale conferences. The aim is to balance border security with efficient travel facilitation.
For the 2026 World Cup, the scale of expected travel is unprecedented. With matches spread across multiple US cities and millions of international fans anticipated, the pressure on consular services would be significant without targeted intervention.
By prioritising verified ticket holders, US authorities aim to streamline legitimate travel while maintaining oversight and control over visa issuance.
Implications for Applicants
For visa applicants, the policy offers practical relief. In many countries, standard US visa interview wait times can extend for months. Faster appointments provide greater certainty for travel planning, accommodation bookings, and match attendance.
However, applicants are advised not to delay their applications. Demand for expedited slots is expected to increase as the tournament approaches, and availability may vary by country and consulate.
Applicants should also ensure that their documentation is accurate and complete. Errors or inconsistencies can still lead to delays or refusals, regardless of ticket status.
Coordination with Canada and Mexico
While the United States is offering expedited appointments, visa policies differ across the three host countries. Canada and Mexico operate under separate immigration systems and may introduce their own facilitation measures for World Cup visitors.
Travellers planning to attend matches in multiple host countries must meet the entry requirements for each destination. A US visa does not automatically grant entry into Canada or Mexico.
What to Expect Closer to the Tournament
US authorities are expected to issue further operational guidance as the tournament draws nearer. This may include additional instructions on documentation, appointment procedures, and consular capacity planning.
Applicants are advised to monitor official embassy communications and apply well in advance of their intended travel dates.
The decision to grant faster US visa appointments to FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders reflects a practical response to the scale of the upcoming tournament. By using verified ticket systems such as FIFA PASS, US consular services can prioritise genuine visitors while maintaining established security and eligibility standards.
For fans planning to attend, the message is clear. Holding a valid ticket can help secure a quicker interview, but it does not replace the need for early preparation, accurate documentation, and compliance with US visa rules.
As the world’s attention turns toward 2026, visa facilitation will remain a key part of the broader logistical effort required to host one of the largest sporting events in history.
