As one of the three host countries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States is expecting a significant increase in international travel this summer. Foreign nationals planning to travel to or from the United States to attend one of the 104 matches should review their immigration status and travel documentation well in advance.
Travel Documentation Requirements
All foreign nationals traveling to the United States must present valid travel documentation at the time of entry. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized that possession of a FIFA World Cup ticket does not guarantee visa issuance or admission to the United States.
Travelers should ensure they have:
- A valid passport, typically valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay, unless exempt based on nationality; and
- A valid U.S. visa, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for eligible Visa Waiver Program nationals, or other appropriate travel authorization.
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may be eligible to travel using ESTA rather than applying for a B‑1/B‑2 Visitor visa.
FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS)
To address anticipated demand for visa appointments, the U.S. Department of State has implemented the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), an optional interview‑scheduling priority program for certain ticket holders. FIFA Pass is not a visa classification and does not guarantee visa approval or admission to the United States.
FIFA PASS is available only to individuals who have purchased official World Cup match tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in through their FIFA.com account. Applicants using FIFA PASS must still complete all required steps in the standard visa application process, including:
- Submitting Form DS‑160;
- Opting in to FIFA PASS through FIFA.com and obtaining a unique FIFA PASS key; and
- Scheduling a visa interview through the appropriate country‑specific system, identifying themselves as a FIFA ticket holder, and entering the FIFA PASS key.
It is important to note that FIFA PASS:
- Does not waive standard visa eligibility requirements or security screening;
- Does not waive visa bond requirements; and
- Cannot be used to apply at a U.S. consular post outside an applicant’s country of nationality or residence.
Additionally, planned World Cup travel alone may be insufficient to overcome 214(b) concerns regarding nonimmigrant intent for visitor visa applicants.
Finally, nationals of countries subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 remain subject to applicable entry restrictions. FIFA PASS does not create an exception for individuals who are otherwise ineligible to receive a visa or be admitted.
Visa Categories and Other Considerations
While most fans are expected to seek entry as B‑1/B‑2 visitors or pursuant to the Visa Waiver Program, FIFA PASS is not limited exclusively to B visa applicants. FIFA PASS has reportedly been used to obtain expedited interview appointments for other nonimmigrant visa classifications, though availability and outcomes vary by consular post.
Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate the financial ability to cover all intended travel‑related expenses, including transportation, lodging, and event participation costs.
Planning Ahead
Travelers planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 should:
- Review visa eligibility and passport validity as early as possible;
- Apply for visas or ESTA well in advance of intended travel;
- Retain documentation confirming FIFA ticket purchase and FIFA PASS participation, if applicable; and
- Understand that expedited interview scheduling does not guarantee visa approval or admission at the port of entry.
For questions related to World Cup travel and U.S. immigration requirements, please contact Grace Pennerat (gpennerat@poynerspruill.com).
