As expectations grow to witness another World Cup, so do the criticisms of the host countries, not only for the cost of tickets, but also for the inaccessibility specifically to US soil, due to the complicated process of applying for a visa. The US Embassy has responded with very good news for all those fans who want to visit the country during the 2026 World CupThe United States government announced a measure aimed at facilitating the arrival of international fans to the tournament. It was reported that people with official tickets for the matches will have priority access to appointments to process their visa, as long as they meet the established immigration requirements.
The visa process is usually one of the main obstacles to attending sporting events in the United States, so the announcement was received with optimism by thousands of fans.
Who will be able to access the priority appointment to process the visa?
Priority will not be automatic for all those interested. According to official information, the benefit applies only to those who purchased tickets directly from FIFA. These fans will be able to register in the so-called FIFA PASS, a system that validates the purchase of the ticket and enables access to a priority interview appointment.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico explained the process as follows:
“If you purchased a ticket directly to FIFA, you can now opt for the FIFA PASS at http://fifa.com This will give you access to a priority interview appointment when applying for your visa.”
FIFA PASS, key to the process
The FIFA PASS becomes the central element to access this benefit. Once the fan registers and validates their ticket, they will be able to request a priority appointment within the visa system, which reduces waiting times, especially in consulates with high demand.
Does it exempt from immigration requirements?
One of the most important points clarified by the authorities is that priority in the appointment does not mean automatic approval of the visa. All applicants will have to go through the usual filters and comply with immigration requirements.
The embassy was clear on this: “Remember that all visa applicants are subject to assessments and must meet the requirements for the visa“.
This means that the consular officer will retain the authority to approve or deny the application, regardless of whether the process is linked to the 2026 World Cup.
If you plan to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States, it is advisable to buy official tickets, register as soon as possible with FIFA PASS and start the visa process in advance.
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