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Fifa president Gianni Infantino awarded Donald Trump the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in December
World Cup 2026 ticket holders can now access priority visa appointments for travel to the United States; however, concerns remain regarding entry for fans from all qualified nations.
The Fifa Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System – or Fifa Pass – announced by US President Donald Trump in November, became operational on Tuesday.
This initiative was partly implemented to address potential delays in visa appointments for citizens of certain countries whose teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Nevertheless, the US State Department has clarified that a Fifa Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval, emphasizing that all ticket holders will be subject to “thorough security screening and vetting.”
Citizens of countries under the US visa waiver program, encompassing much of Europe, including the UK, as well as Japan, Australia, and others, typically travel visa-free for up to 90 days and do not require the Fifa Pass. Travelers from these nations would instead need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
A senior State Department official stated that the new Fifa Pass system will expedite wait times, enabling applicants in “over 80%” of countries to schedule a visa appointment in “less than 60 days.”
The official further added: “At the visa appointment, applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for the visa, their intention to abide by US laws, and their plan to depart upon the tournament’s conclusion. The safety and security of America’s borders remain paramount.”
Football enthusiasts from countries affected by the US suspension of immigrant visa processing will still have the opportunity to apply for travel to the country for this year’s World Cup.
Last Wednesday, the US announced a temporary pause on processing immigrant visas from 75 countries,, external 15 of which have qualified for the World Cup, including five-time champions Brazil.
An additional seven nations on the list are still competing for qualification in this year’s tournament, set to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The State Department confirmed on Tuesday that the pause “applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only” and “does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals.”
Qualified nations on the list of 75 countries: Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
Nations still in qualification contention on the list: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo, North Macedonia
Trump administration pauses immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
The order to indefinitely suspend the processing of immigrant visa applications from these 75 countries will be implemented on Wednesday, January 21.
Prior to this action, the Trump administration broadened a travel ban that took effect on January 1, restricting nationals of countries on that list from entering the US.
Haiti and Iran, both qualified for the 2026 World Cup, are among the countries facing full restrictions.
Ivory Coast and Senegal, also qualified, are on the list of countries with partial restrictions.
The State Department has stated that a Fifa Pass appointment does not grant eligibility to individuals “who are otherwise not eligible” for a visa, suggesting that fans from these four countries may face challenges traveling to the US for this summer’s tournament.
State Department guidelines specify exceptions for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives” regarding the travel ban for the World Cup.
However, it adds that “the exception does not apply to fans or spectators.” While they can still submit visa applications, “they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.”
The US will host 78 of the 104 total matches at the World Cup, across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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