The U.S. government has warned international fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup that match tickets alone are not enough to enter the country.
All visitors must obtain valid visas and hold passports valid for at least six months beyond their stay. FIFA PASS will offer ticket holders priority visa appointments to ease travel.
In a statement released on Friday, February 20, the U.S. Department of State, Consular Affairs, emphasised that all foreign nationals, including confirmed ticket holders, must obtain valid visas before travelling.
“Attention FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders. You’ve got your ticket, but you also need a visa. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America,” the U.S. government stated.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveils the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Match Ball at the Home of FIFA on October 02, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland. PHOTO/FIFAThe advisory reaffirms that existing immigration requirements remain in force, despite the scale and global significance of the tournament.
The State Department added, “All visitors travelling to the United States are required to have passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the U.S.”
The 2026 tournament, scheduled to kick off in June, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
It is expected to draw millions of fans from around the world and has been projected to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history.
The expanded format will feature 48 teams competing across multiple cities in the three host nations, with the majority of matches set to take place in the United States.
To manage anticipated demand for travel documentation, the U.S. government announced the introduction of a new system designed to streamline visa appointment bookings for eligible fans.
“Attention FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Holders! You’ve got your ticket, but you also need a visa. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) gives verified ticket holders who purchase directly from FIFA and opt in for FIFA PASS access to prioritised B1/B2 visitor visa appointments,” the statement read.
The B1 and B2 visa categories cover short-term visits for tourism, business or attendance at events such as the World Cup.
However, officials stressed that priority access to appointment slots does not remove standard vetting procedures.
“Like all visa applicants, ticket holders must undergo screening and demonstrate they qualify for a visa. Get started now!” the government said.
The newly introduced FIFA PASS programme is intended to reduce congestion at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide by fast-tracking interview scheduling for verified applicants.
According to the statement, “The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) gives verified ticket holders who purchase directly from FIFA and opt in for FIFA PASS access to prioritised B1/B2 visitor visa appointments.”
Officials say the system aims to ease pressure on diplomatic missions that could face surging demand in the months leading up to the tournament.
With the United States set to host the bulk of the fixtures, immigration authorities have indicated that preparations are underway to handle increased international arrivals.
America’s immigration department has revealed that it is well prepared for an influx of foreign visitors during the tournament period.
The advisory serves as a reminder that possession of a ticket does not equate to automatic entry into the country. Instead, prospective visitors are urged to begin visa applications well in advance to avoid delays.
As anticipation builds for what is being billed as a landmark sporting event, the U.S. government’s message to fans is unambiguous: securing a seat at a match is only one part of the journey; meeting immigration requirements remains essential.
