The beautiful game comes to North America next year for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With a new 48-team format, eleven cities across the U.S. Will host a combined total of 78 matches next summer — a significant increase from the previous standard 32-team format. Soccer fans could find themselves in cities like Dallas, Seattle or Philadelphia, to name a few.
Luckily for fans traveling globally, the U.S. Has put a special process in place to obtain a visitor visa ahead of the tournament, called FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System).
Are you planning to attend a game during the World Cup and want to learn more about FIFA PASS? We're happy to help.
AllSportsPeople has everything you need to know about FIFA PASS, including tips, tricks and guidelines for getting a priority visa appointment for the 2026 World Cup.
MORE: How to book your travel accommodations for the 2026 World Cup with Booking.com.
What is FIFA PASS? Priority U.S. Visa interviews for World Cup 2026 ticket holders
FIFA PASS is a new service that gives every fan who buys a World Cup ticket the opportunity to schedule a prioritized visa interview.
FIFA PASS will speed up the process by allowing ticket holders to have priority over other applicants who are seeking visa interviews. These fans will still undergo the standard U.S. Security vetting process for a visitor visa.
Who qualifies for FIFA PASS and how to use it for your U.S. Visa
Any individual who has purchased a ticket for a 2026 FIFA World Cup match in the United States and does not already have a U.S. Visitor visa qualifies for FIFA PASS.
This service applies only to those who need to obtain a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Foreign travelers from any of the 42 countries who participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can be cleared through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead.
Canadian and Bermudan citizens will not need additional authorization to enter the U.S. For the World Cup, which means they should not need to apply for a visitor visa or use FIFA PASS.
Those who still need to complete a U.S. Visa interview or can not find an available appointment before the tournament should utilize FIFA PASS.
Are FIFA PASS appointments available now?
No, FIFA PASS appointments are not yet available, but they are expected to begin in early 2026.
If there are available visa interview appointments in your home country, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.
Fans can stay updated on the latest information regarding FIFA PASS by regularly checking the U.S. Department of State website.
Visa and entry rules for all three host countries: USA, Canada & Mexico
Here's a summary of the visa and entry regulations for each host country of the 2026 World Cup.
United States
All non-U.S. Citizens will be required to have a valid visitor visa (B-1/B-2) or ESTA approval to enter the country for World Cup games, except for Canadian or Bermudan citizens.
Citizens of the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program — listed here — can apply for ESTA approval rather than a B-1/B-2 visa. This is a shorter process for entry.
Canada
Most non-Canadian citizens will be required to have either a valid visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country for World Cup games.
U.S. Citizens and those with a U.S. Green Card will only need a valid passport from their home country to enter Canada.
To check whether you are visa required or visa exempt (eTA eligible), click here.
Mexico
Some non-Mexican citizens will be required to have a valid visitor visa to enter the country for World Cup games.
Many countries have visa-free entry agreements with Mexico, which means travelers would only need a valid passport for entry. U.S. And Canadian citizens do not need a visitor visa to visit Mexico.
To check if you will require a visa or not, click here.