The United States (US) has prioritised a visa appointment system for fans to travel to the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Fifa prioritised appointment scheduling system, or “Fifa Pass,” officially went live on Tuesday.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will see the US host 78 of the 104 matches. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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However, uncertainty remains regarding whether supporters from every qualifying nation will be permitted to enter the country.
Originally announced by Donald Trump in November, the initiative was designed to assist fans from nations where visa processing backlogs might otherwise prevent them from securing documentation before the tournament begins in June.
Security remains paramount
Despite the expedited scheduling, the US State Department has clarified that a Fifa Pass appointment is not a guarantee of entry.
All applicants must still undergo rigorous security screening and vetting.
Most citizens from countries included in the US visa waiver program which encompasses much of Europe (including the UK), Japan, and Australia, do not need to use the system. These travellers will continue to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) for visits of up to 90 days.
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A senior state department official noted that the new system is expected to significantly reduce wait times:
“In over 80 percent of countries, applicants are now able to schedule a visa appointment in less than 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.”
Impact of immigrant visa suspensions
Recent policy changes have raised questions about fans from 75 countries currently affected by a pause in US immigrant visa processing. This list includes five-time champions Brazil, along with 14 other qualified nations such as Colombia, Egypt, Morocco, and Uruguay.
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The State Department confirmed on Tuesday that this specific pause applies only to permanent residency applications and will not block the non-immigrant visas used by tourists, media professionals, or the athletes themselves.
Qualified nations on the restricted list include:
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia
Middle East/Asia: Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan
Caribbean: Haiti
The travel ban hurdle
While tourist visas remain technically available for most, fans from countries on the administration’s expanded “travel ban” list face much steeper obstacles. Full restrictions currently apply to Haiti and Iran, while Ivory Coast and Senegal are subject to partial restrictions.
The State Department warned that the Fifa Pass does not override these restrictions for general spectators.
While exceptions have been carved out for players, coaches, support staff, and their immediate families, these do not extend to the general public.
“The exception does not apply to fans or spectators,” the State Department guidance specified. It added that while these individuals can still submit applications, “they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.”
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