January 22 – Previous World Cups have all attempted to sell a feeling of open borders, shared stories, and football as a common language. World Cup 2026 is currently selling something else entirely, starting with priority visa appointments, disclaimers, and an asterisk.
Ticket holders can now access expedited visa interviews through the newly launched FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, aka the “FIFA Pass” — a scheme announced by US President Donald Trump in November and activated this week. It exists largely because supporters from some qualified nations may not otherwise secure visa appointments in time for the tournament.
Even then, nothing is guaranteed. The US State Department has been clear that a FIFA Pass appointment does not mean a visa will be granted, with all applicants requiredto “undergo thorough security screening and vetting”.
A senior State Department official insisted the system would help, saying applicants in “over 80%” of countries can now secure an appointment in “less than 60 days”. But the tone remains firm. “At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament,” the department said. “America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first.”
Most fans from countries under the US visa waiver programme, including the UK, much of Europe, Japan, and Australia, will never encounter the issue, travelling instead via ESTA, however, their social media will be examined by immigration inspectors. For others, entry into the ‘home of the brave, and land of the free’ is far more uncertain.
Last week, the US paused the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, 15 of which have already qualified for the World Cup, including five-time winners Brazil. Seven more nations on the list remain in contention. The State Department confirmed 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”.
Yet another caveat follows. A FIFA Pass appointment does not allow people “who are otherwise not eligible” to receive a visa. While exceptions exist for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… and immediate relatives”, the department added bluntly: “the exception does not apply to fans or spectators”.
It is not the most welcoming message and is awkward for FIFA, which likes to promote inclusion and diversity.