US "FIFA PASS" expedites visas for FIFA 2026 World Cup
The United States introduced the FIFA PASS, a system designed to grant priority in scheduling visa interviews to fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2026 World Cup. The initiative aims to facilitate the entry of visitors, ensure security, and support the enormous economic impact expected for the host cities.
United States presents FIFA PASS to facilitate fan entry to the 2026 World Cup
The U.S. government announced a new mechanism to accelerate visa processing ahead of the 2026 World Cup: the FIFA PASS, a system that will give priority in scheduling consular interviews to those who already have official tournament tickets.
The launch took place on November 17 at the White House, in an event led by President Donald Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and members of the White House World Cup Task Force.
Infantino hailed the announcement as a sign of the host country’s commitment to organizing “the most ambitious and inclusive World Cup in history.”
Rubio, for his part, detailed that the system will allow ticket holders to advance their visa interviews, although he emphasized that access will not be automatic:
“The pass does not replace the consular process. The screening will remain the same; the only thing that changes is the priority.”
Noem added that the program’s goal is to ensure fans experience the event “with safety and smoothness,” considering the historic volume of visitors expected in 2026.
The FIFA PASS will be available at the beginning of 2026 for fans from countries that require visa interviews. Visitors from nations included in the Visa Waiver Program will continue to use ESTA without changes.
An unprecedented tournament and a huge economic impact
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever organized:
- 48 participating teams
- 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
- 78 matches played solely on U.S. soil
- More than 6 million tickets available
The FIFA PASS is part of the U.S. administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth tournament. Similar measures were already implemented this year during the Club World Cup, with faster visa processes for attendees.
However, the challenge is greater: delegations from Africa and Asia usually face longer wait times to enter the U.S., especially under the immigration policies strengthened since 2025.
Despite initial concerns, authorities insist that facilitating tourist arrivals is a strategic priority due to the economic impact the tournament will have on each host city.
Expectations in the host cities
Previous events already indicate the magnitude of the economic impact. Orlando, host of the Club World Cup, anticipated between 70 and 90 million dollars in economic spillover from that tournament alone.
For 2026, projections are substantially higher. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates:
- 185,000 full-time jobs created
- 30.5 billion dollars in gross production
- 17 billion dollars direct contribution to the U.S. GDP
Atlanta — host of the Club World Cup and future host of a World Cup semifinal — foresees an impact of 503 million dollars for the city and the state of Georgia. According to Dan Corso, president of the local organizing committee:
“The World Cup will attract an unprecedented wave of international visitors and generate sustainable opportunities for tourism, gastronomy, and the local economy.”
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