FIFA PASS, Travel Bans & the 2026 World Cup — What Non-Citizens Need to Know

Today we are going to talk about the brand new FIFA Pass that is rolling out in 2026. Who it helps, who it doesn’t, and why a World Cup ticket does NOT equal a visa.

The United States says it wants to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—but at the very same time, it’s expanding one of the most restrictive travel bans in modern history. So what happens when millions of fans want to come to the U.S. for the World Cup… but immigration policy is moving in the opposite direction?

What Is the FIFA PASS?

In early 2026, the U.S. government will roll out a new system called the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS.

FIFA PASS is not a visa. It is priority scheduling for visa interviews at U.S. consulates. It moves you up in the line. There is a special portal where you will apply for this visa. You will be moved up in front of B-1/B-2 applicants who are wanting to visit the U.S. The FIFA PASS is only available to World Cup ticket holders who purchase directly through FIFA. The goal is to handle millions of expected visitors without consular systems collapsing

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been very clear: ‘This moves you up in line—but you still go through the same vetting process.’ What is the vetting process? You will have to consult with an immigration attorney. But, essentially it means that you will be subject to all the grounds of inadmissibility. In some countries, visa wait times have already dropped from over a year to just a few months due to expanded staffing.

A Ticket Does NOT Equal a Visa

This is the most important takeaway—and I can’t stress this enough. Even with FIFA PASS:

• You still must qualify for a visa
• You still undergo background checks
• You can still be denied at the interview or denied entry at the airport.

This applies to:

• B-1/B-2 visitor visas
• ESTA travelers under the Visa Waiver Program
• Any non-citizen seeking entry to the U.S.

The Department of State has emphasized that national security and public safety vetting remain unchanged, even for World Cup fans.

So, the FIFA PASS simply means: Faster interview, but the same scrutiny.

Who Actually Needs a Visa?

Not everyone coming to the World Cup needs a visa—in fact you might already have one. For example, a B-1/B-2 visa can last for many years and multiple entries. Also, Canadians & Bermudans: No visa required. If you are from a Visa Waiver Program country, then ESTA is required. All other countries: B-1/B-2 visitor visa required.

So, if you’re from a country outside the Visa Waiver Program, you should already be planning now not later because you want to make sure you have all of the documentation required.

The Travel Ban vs. the World Cup — A Direct Conflict

Here’s where things get complicated. In December, the Trump administration expanded the travel ban to 39 countries, restricting (1) all immigrant visas for some countries and (2) tourist, student, and exchange visas for others. For fans from these countries, B-2 tourist visas are largely unavailable, meaning many fans simply cannot attend games in the U.S.

This creates a striking contradiction. On one hand, the FIFA PASS is designed to attract millions of visitors and billions in revenue. But, on the other hand, the U.S. seems to be closing the door on the world by sharply limiting who can enter.

What About Players from Banned Countries?

Players are treated very differently than fans. Under the travel ban proclamation:

• Athletes, coaches, essential staff, and immediate family members are explicitly exempt
• Teams from affected countries can still play
• Matches involving those teams will overwhelmingly take place inside the United States

So yes—players can come, even if many of their fans cannot, which will affect the team morale.

What This Means Practically

If you are planning to the come the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup with a FIFA PASS and you have any red flag in your background such as a prior arrest, conviction or visa overstay or any past immigration issue you might think is minor, I definitely recommend you to consult with an immigration attorney before your interview so you can avoid a denial. And, remember, just because you have a ticket to the world cup, this does not protect you from scrutiny.

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