Ticket holders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup can now access priority U.S. visa appointments, though uncertainty remains over whether fans from all qualified countries will ultimately be allowed to enter the United States.
The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, known as the FIFA Pass, officially went live on Tuesday. The initiative, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in November, is intended to help World Cup ticket holders secure visa appointments in time for the tournament.
The system was introduced partly because citizens of some countries whose teams have qualified for the World Cup face long visa appointment delays that could prevent travel. However, the U.S. State Department has stressed that a FIFA Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval, noting that all applicants must undergo “thorough security screening and vetting.”
Most citizens of countries covered by the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme including much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa and therefore do not need the FIFA Pass. Travellers from these countries must instead apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
A senior State Department official said the FIFA Pass is already reducing wait times, with applicants in more than 80% of countries now able to schedule visa appointments within 60 days. The official added that applicants must demonstrate they qualify for a visa, intend to follow U.S. laws and will leave after the tournament, emphasising that border security remains a priority.
Countries affected by immigrant visa suspension
Fans from countries affected by the U.S. suspension of immigrant visa processing will still be able to apply for travel to the World Cup. Last week, the U.S. announced it would pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, 15 of which have already qualified for the tournament, including five-time champions Brazil.
Seven additional countries on the list are still in contention to qualify for the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
The State Department clarified that the suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes, their families and media professionals.
Countries that have qualified and are on the list include Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay and Uzbekistan. Nations still seeking qualification include Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Countries under travel bans
The pause on immigrant visa processing will take effect on Wednesday, 21 January. Separately, an expanded U.S. travel ban introduced on 1 January continues to restrict entry for nationals of certain countries.
Haiti and Iran, both of which have qualified for the World Cup, face full travel restrictions. Ivory Coast and Senegal, also qualified, are subject to partial restrictions.
The State Department said the FIFA Pass does not override existing eligibility rules, meaning fans from these four countries are unlikely to be able to travel to the U.S. for the tournament. While exemptions apply to athletes, coaches, support staff and immediate family members, they do not extend to fans or spectators.
Although affected fans may still submit visa applications, the State Department warned they could be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry into the United States.
The U.S. will host 78 of the 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup across 11 cities, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
