FIFA PASS and World Cup Travel to the U.S.: What Fans Need to Know Before Applying for a Visa

With the excitement building for the FIFA World Cup 2026, millions of fans around the world are preparing to travel to North America to watch history unfold. Because several matches will take place in the United States, many international visitors will need a U.S. tourist visa to attend the games. To help manage the surge in visa demand, FIFA and the U.S. government have introduced a system commonly referred to as the FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System).

While this program can be helpful, it is often misunderstood. Below is a clear, practical explanation of what FIFA PASS does, what it does not do, and what visa applicants should realistically expect especially those planning to travel to the U.S. for the World Cup.

What is FIFA PASS?

FIFA PASS is a priority appointment scheduling system created specifically for verified FIFA World Cup ticket holders. Its main purpose is to help eligible fans access earlier or prioritized visa interview appointment slots at participating U.S. embassies and consulates.

In simple terms, FIFA PASS may help you get an interview sooner but it does not change the visa itself.

To use FIFA PASS, applicants must:

• Purchase official FIFA World Cup tickets

• Opt in to the FIFA PASS matching process

• Use the confirmation when scheduling a visa interview, if priority slots are available at their local U.S. embassy or consulate

  
  

The program is designed to address long wait times for visa interviews in many countries, especially as global travel demand increases ahead of the World Cup.

What FIFA PASS Actually Helps With

It is important to understand the limited but valuable benefit of FIFA PASS:

Faster access to visa interview appointments In many countries, routine tourist visa interview wait times can stretch for months. FIFA PASS may allow eligible ticket holders to schedule an interview earlier than they otherwise could.

Better planning for time-sensitive travel Since World Cup matches occur on fixed dates, earlier interviews can help applicants avoid missing games due to long scheduling delays.

No special visa category required Applicants still apply for the standard tourist visa (usually a B-1/B-2). FIFA PASS simply affects appointment availability, not the visa type.

What FIFA PASS Does Not Do

This is the most critical part for travelers to understand:

FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval 

Holding a World Cup ticket or using FIFA PASS does not mean a U.S. visa will be approved. Consular officers apply the same legal standards to every applicant, regardless of the event they plan to attend.

FIFA PASS does not reduce screening or vetting

All applicants must still:

• Complete the DS-160 application

• Pay required fees

• Attend an interview

• Undergo background and security checks

Consular officers will review:

• Immigration and travel history

• Ties to the home country

• Purpose of travel

• Financial ability to cover the trip

• Overall credibility and intent

  
  

FIFA PASS availability varies by country

Not all U.S. embassies and consulates will have the same number of priority slots. Some locations may have very limited availability due to staffing, security requirements, or existing backlogs.

Key Advice for World Cup Visa Applicants

From an immigration law perspective, planning and preparation matter far more than ticket ownership alone. Below are practical recommendations for fans considering a U.S. visa application.

1. Start early even with FIFA PASS. Priority scheduling does not eliminate processing time. Administrative processing or additional review can still occur after the interview, so applying early is essential.

2. Be honest and consistent. Your DS-160, interview answers, and supporting documents must match. Inconsistencies no matter how small can raise concerns and lead to denial.

3. Review your immigration history carefully. Previous visa refusals, overstays, unauthorized work, or removal orders can significantly impact your application. These issues should be addressed openly and strategically.

4. Prepare strong evidence of ties to your home country. Consular officers must be convinced that you intend to return home after the World Cup. This may include:

• Employment or business documentation

• School enrollment

• Family obligations

• Property or long-term residence

  
  

5. Be mindful of your public social media presence. Public social media content can be reviewed as part of identity and intent verification. Posts suggesting long-term stay, work plans, or inconsistent travel intent can raise red flags.

6. Avoid non-refundable travel commitments. Do not assume visa approval. Whenever possible, use refundable tickets or travel insurance that covers visa denial or delays.

7. Speak with an immigration attorney if you have concerns. Applicants with prior refusals, complex travel history, criminal records, or previous immigration violations should seek legal guidance before applying. A well-prepared application can reduce risk, but professional advice is often critical in complicated cases.

Why Accurate Information Matters

As interest in FIFA PASS grows, misinformation spreads quickly online. Some sources incorrectly suggest that World Cup tickets guarantee visas or that FIFA PASS bypasses standard immigration rules. These claims are false and can lead to costly mistakes.

For this reason, applicants should rely on official government guidance and professional legal advice not social media rumors or unverified blogs. Watching the World Cup in the United States can be an unforgettable experience but only if the visa process is handled carefully and correctly.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. The firm was founded in 2012 and is known for its compassionate, results-driven approach to immigration law. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law and her Master of Laws from the University of Washington School of Law