U.S. Embassy Offers Priority Visa Appointments for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders
FIFA ticket holders can access faster U.S. visa interviews, but must still meet all standard visa requirements.
- FIFA PASS gives ticket holders priority access to visa interview slots.
- Applicants must complete DS-160 forms and undergo full screening.
- Priority access does not guarantee visa approval.
The United States Embassy in Ghana has announced a special visa arrangement offering priority interview appointments for fans holding tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026, ahead of the global football competition.
According to the embassy, ticket holders who purchased directly through FIFA and opted into the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) will be given priority access to U.S. visa interview slots as part of preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the embassy encouraged fans to begin their visa applications early, noting that while the initiative provides faster access to appointments, it does not guarantee visa approval.
Applicants must first opt into FIFA PASS via their FIFA accounts, complete the DS-160 form, upload a photo, pay the visa fee, and then schedule an interview through the standard process.
The embassy emphasized that all applicants must still meet regular U.S. visa requirements and undergo full security screening before any visa is issued.
Officials also urged fans without valid visas to apply immediately to avoid delays closer to the tournament period.
The guidance further explained that travellers from countries outside the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme, including Ghana, will require valid B1/B2 visitor visas to attend matches.
It also noted that spouses and minor children accompanying ticket holders may benefit from the priority system if they attend interviews together.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and is expected to see the United States host the majority of matches.
U.S. officials described the initiative as part of efforts to streamline travel for international fans while maintaining strict security and immigration standards.
