The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is the official tool that gives international ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa interview appointments for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With the tournament kicking off on June 11 in Mexico City, time-sensitive deadlines are now in play — and missing them could cost you your seat in the stadium.
What Is FIFA PASS and Who Needs It?
FIFA PASS is a voluntary, opt-in scheduling system created by the U.S. Department of State in coordination with FIFA. It gives fans who purchased World Cup tickets directly from FIFA the ability to book prioritized B1/B2 visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
Who should opt in?
- Fans from countries that require a U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2) to enter the United States
- Ticket holders who purchased directly from FIFA (resale tickets may not qualify)
- Spouses and minor children accompanying a FIFA PASS-registered ticket holder to their interview
If you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you do not need FIFA PASS — you can enter the U.S. with an ESTA instead. For matches in Toronto or Vancouver, check whether you need a Canada eTA or visitor visa.
FIFA PASS Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss
Several critical dates determine what benefits you can access and how quickly you can secure your visa appointment.
April 15, 2026: Visa bond waiver cutoff
The U.S. Department of State announced that the visa bond requirement (up to $15,000) is waived for nationals of competing countries who purchased FIFA World Cup tickets and opted in to FIFA PASS by April 15, 2026. This applies specifically to fans from five bond-required countries whose national teams qualified: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
If you are from one of these countries and missed the April 15 cutoff, you may still apply for a visa but will be subject to the standard bond requirement. Read more in our World Cup visa bond waiver guide.
May 2026: FIFA Collect conversion window
Fans who purchased tickets through FIFA Collect can request a FIFA PASS key during the conversion process taking place in mid-May 2026. If you fall into this category, act immediately — the window is limited.
May 31, 2026: Keep existing appointments
FIFA and the U.S. State Department advise fans with visa interview appointments already scheduled for on or before May 31, 2026, to keep their current dates rather than rescheduling. Rescheduling could push your appointment past the tournament start date.
June 11, 2026: Tournament begins
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Your visa must be approved and passport returned before your travel date — factor in processing times when planning.
How to Register for FIFA PASS: Step by Step
The registration process involves both the FIFA platform and the U.S. visa application system. Here is what to do.
Step 1: Opt in through your FIFA account
Log in to your FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS opt-in form. After completing the form, you will see a confirmation screen. Wait at least one hour before proceeding to the visa application — your data needs time to sync with the U.S. scheduling system.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 visa application
Go to the U.S. Department of State’s online portal to fill out the DS-160 form. Upload a current passport-quality photo and pay the visa application fee ($185 for B1/B2).
Your name and passport number must match exactly across three places: your passport, your DS-160 form, and your FIFA PASS opt-in submission. Any mismatch will block access to priority appointment slots.
Step 3: Schedule your priority interview
When scheduling your appointment through the U.S. visa system, answer “Yes” when asked if you are a FIFA ticket holder. If your information matches your FIFA PASS opt-in, you will gain access to priority appointment slots.
FIFA PASS vs. FIFA ID: Know the Difference
These two systems serve entirely different purposes, and confusing them is one of the most common mistakes fans make.
- FIFA ID — Your account on FIFA.com, required to purchase World Cup tickets and to enter the stadium on match day. Creating a FIFA ID is free and takes about 10 minutes. You must be at least 18 to buy tickets.
- FIFA PASS — The priority visa appointment scheduling tool for ticket holders who need a U.S. visa. It is separate from your FIFA ID and requires an additional opt-in step.
There is no separate government-issued “Fan ID” program for 2026 — unlike previous tournaments in Russia and Qatar. The host countries (USA, Canada, Mexico) use their existing immigration systems instead. However, a registered FIFA ID linked to your match ticket is required for stadium entry. For a full breakdown, see our FIFA PASS explainer.
What to Do If You Have Not Registered Yet
If you already have your World Cup tickets but have not opted in to FIFA PASS, act now.
For standard ticket holders
Log in to FIFA.com, complete the opt-in form, and begin your DS-160 application the same day. U.S. visa interview wait times vary significantly by country — in some locations, waits exceed 60 days. The sooner you schedule, the better your chances of interviewing before the tournament.
For FIFA Collect ticket holders
Your FIFA PASS key becomes available during the conversion window in mid-May 2026. Monitor your FIFA account and email for notifications, and opt in as soon as the option appears.
Still need tickets?
The Last-Minute Sales Phase opened on April 1 and runs through July 19, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis via FIFA.com/tickets. The official Resale/Exchange Marketplace is also open. Once you secure tickets, opt in to FIFA PASS immediately if you need a U.S. visa.
For a comprehensive visa guide covering all three host countries, read our FIFA World Cup 2026 visa guide. And if you are still planning flights and hotels, search for flights to New York, Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, or Houston on Wego to compare your best options, and browse hotels in New York or hotels in Miami for match-day stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FIFA PASS guarantee a U.S. visa?
No. FIFA PASS only provides priority access to a visa interview appointment. You must still meet all standard U.S. visa eligibility requirements and pass security screening.
Can my family members use FIFA PASS?
Spouses and minor children of FIFA PASS-registered ticket holders can access priority appointments, but only if they accompany the ticket holder to the same interview.
Do I need FIFA PASS for matches in Canada or Mexico?
No. FIFA PASS is exclusively for U.S. visa appointments. For Canada, you will need either an eTA or a visitor visa depending on your nationality. Mexico allows visa-free entry for many nationalities, and holders of a valid U.S., Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen visa can enter without a separate Mexican visa.
Is there a final deadline to opt in to FIFA PASS?
FIFA has not announced a hard closing date for FIFA PASS opt-ins, but the practical deadline is determined by visa interview wait times in your country. With the tournament starting June 11, fans should opt in immediately to secure an appointment in time.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State — FIFA World Cup 26 Visas PASS FAQ
- U.S. Department of State — FIFA World Cup 2026 Visas
- FIFA.com — FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel, Visas, and FIFA PASS
- FIFA — FIFA PASS Application Process Now Open
- FIFA.com — Ticket Sales Phases
- FIFA.com — FIFA ID Registration
- U.S. Department of State — Countries Subject to Visa Bonds
- FIFA.com — Last-Minute Sales Phase
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
