U.S. Embassy announces priority visa appointments for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders

• Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The United States Embassy in Ghana has announced priority visa interview access for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders travelling to the United States, urging football fans to begin their visa application process early ahead of the global tournament.

In a Facebook post, the embassy disclosed that fans who purchased tickets directly through FIFA and opted into the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) would receive prioritised access to U.S. visa interview appointments.

“Great news for FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders who will travel to the United States this year — we’re giving you prioritised access to U.S. visa appointments through FIFA PASS,” the embassy stated.

The announcement forms part of broader preparations by U.S. authorities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the embassy, all travellers seeking entry into the United States for the tournament must still satisfy standard visa requirements and undergo security screening before visas are granted.

“All visa applicants undergo screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa,” the embassy stressed.

Under the FIFA PASS arrangement, supporters who bought tickets directly from FIFA and opted into the system would have the opportunity to secure visa interview appointments before the start of the tournament.

The U.S. authorities explained that applicants must first complete the FIFA PASS opt-in form through their FIFA.com accounts before proceeding to fill out the DS-160 visa application form, upload a current photograph and pay the visa fee.

Applicants would then be required to schedule visa interview appointments through the official process, where eligible ticket holders would gain access to priority interview slots if their information matched FIFA records.

The U.S. government, however, clarified that priority appointments do not guarantee visa approval.

“Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee the visa will be issued,” the guidance stated.

The U.S. Department of State also advised football fans without valid visas to apply immediately to avoid delays closer to the tournament.

“If you need a U.S. visa and don’t have one yet, NOW is the time to apply!” the guidance noted.

The United States is expected to host the majority of matches during the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 national teams, including a record 10 African representatives.

The embassy also reminded travellers that passports must generally remain valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the United States unless exemptions apply.

Fans from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Programme may travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), while travellers from countries outside the programme, including Ghana, would require valid B1/B2 visitor visas.

The guidance further clarified that visas issued to World Cup ticket holders would remain subject to existing validity and entry rules applicable to their respective countries, with no special exemptions solely because of the tournament.

The U.S. authorities additionally stated that spouses and minor children accompanying FIFA World Cup ticket holders may also benefit from FIFA PASS interview appointments if they attend the interview together.

President Donald Trump, in remarks accompanying the initiative, described the tournament as a major opportunity for the United States.

“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe,” he said.