The United States has launched a priority visa appointment system for fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving ticket holders expedited access to visa interviews. However, questions remain over whether supporters from all qualified nations will be able to enter the country.

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Fifa Pass: Fast-Track Visa Scheduling for World Cup Fans

The Fifa Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, known as Fifa Pass, went live on Tuesday following its announcement by US President Donald Trump in November 2025. The system was designed to help ticket holders from countries with high visa demand secure appointments in time for the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A senior US State Department official stated that Fifa Pass will reduce waiting times for visa interviews, with applicants in over 80% of eligible countries able to schedule an appointment in under 60 days.

“At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament. America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first,” the official said.

It is important to note, however, that a Fifa Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must undergo thorough security screening and vetting before being granted entry.

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Visa Waiver Program and ESTA

Fans from countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program, including the UK, much of Europe, Japan, and Australia, generally do not require a visa for short-term travel of up to 90 days. These travelers instead need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

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Countries Affected by US Immigrant Visa Suspension

While Fifa Pass provides faster scheduling, fans from some countries may still face restrictions due to US suspension of immigrant visa processing from 75 nations. Among these, 15 countries have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, including football powerhouses such as Brazil, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

A State Department statement clarified that the suspension “applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only” and does not affect non-immigrant visas, which include travel for tourists, athletes, their families, and media personnel.

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Countries Likely Affected

Qualified nations on the suspension list:

• Algeria
• Brazil
• Cape Verde
• Colombia
• Egypt
• Ghana
• Haiti
• Iran
• Ivory Coast
• Jordan
• Morocco
• Senegal
• Tunisia
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan

Countries still in qualification contention:

• Albania
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• DR Congo
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Kosovo
• North Macedonia

Despite the priority system, fans from certain countries may still be ineligible to receive visas, particularly those under full or partial travel bans. For example, Haiti and Iran face full restrictions, while Ivory Coast and Senegal have partial restrictions.

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Exceptions for Athletes, Teams, and Support Staff

The US government has made exceptions for athletes, coaches, and support staff attending the World Cup, allowing them entry even from restricted countries. However, these exemptions do not apply to spectators, meaning fans from affected nations may be unable to travel despite having tickets.

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World Cup 2026 Venues in the United States

The United States will host 78 of the 104 total matches, with games across 11 cities. The final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and other major venues include Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami.

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Key Takeaways

• Fifa Pass allows priority visa appointments for World Cup ticket holders.
• Visa approval is not guaranteed, and all applicants undergo full screening.
• Visa Waiver Program countries do not require Fifa Pass; they can apply via ESTA.
• Fans from countries under immigrant visa suspension or travel bans may be ineligible.
• Athletes, team staff, and immediate family members have exceptions; fans do not.