As of January 2026, the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is officially live to facilitate travel for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Launched by the U.S. Department of State in coordination with FIFA and the White House, the system is designed to help international fans secure timely visa interviews despite global backlogs. FIFA PASS’s objectives are to streamline high-demand appointments, reduce queue times, and align resource utilization with event-critical priorities.
FIFA PASS is also a voluntary, opt-in scheduling tool that provides confirmed World Cup 2026 ticket holders with prioritized access to U.S. visa interview appointments. It is specifically aimed at fans in countries with long wait times for non-immigrant visas, such as B-1/B-2 visitor categories, to ensure that legitimate fans can complete their interviews before the tournament begins on June 11, 2026.
The system applies to those attending matches in the 11 U.S. host cities. Fans from Visa Waiver Program countries (using ESTA) do not need to use FIFA PASS.
Fans must follow a specific three-step process to utilize the priority system:
- Opt-In: Log in to the FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS opt-in form.
- Apply for Visa: Complete the online DS-160 visa application, upload a photo, and pay the required fee.
- Schedule: When scheduling the interview, indicate you are a FIFA ticket holder. If the applicant’s data matches the FIFA records, he or she will be granted access to priority slots.
While specific configurations can be tailored to the event, a typical FIFA PASS workflow includes the following elements:
- User Profiles and Role-Based Access: Stakeholders receive role classifications (for example, Team Delegation Member, Match Official, Media, Broadcast Rights Holder, Volunteer, Vendor, VIP/Protocol). Role assignments determine which service centers, appointment types, and priority bands are visible to the user.
- Identity and Accreditation Linkage: Appointment eligibility is linked to accreditation status and associated permissions. Users may be required to confirm identity and accreditation credentials prior to booking or attending appointments.
- Priority Bands and Allocation Rules: Priority bands are established to manage demand. For example, bands may distinguish event-critical roles on match days, time-sensitive medical or equipment procedures, or rights-driven obligations for broadcasters. Allocation rules govern maximum bookings per user, no-show penalties, and rescheduling windows.
- Slot Release Strategy: Appointments are published in tiers, combining long-range releases (to facilitate planning) with rolling, short-notice releases (to address dynamic operational needs). Blackout windows may be applied around match operations, security sweeps, and transport restrictions.
- Booking, Modification, and Waitlisting: Users select available times within their permitted categories. If capacity is full, a waitlist function may triage requests by priority band, proximity to operational deadlines, or predefined escalation criteria.
- On-Site Check-In and Verification: At the service location, staff verify user identity, accreditation, and booking details. Scanning tools and access control systems may be used to confirm appointment validity and log completion.
- Data Capture and Reporting: The system records throughput, no-show rates, utilization by role, and adherence to service-level targets to inform resource allocation and post-event analysis.
The U.S. government has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to manage the surge in demand. Official estimates suggest that under this system, applicants in over 80% of countries will be able to schedule an interview in less than 60 days.
Although not all the details have been made available, there are several important points that users need to consider:
- A FIFA PASS appointment does not guarantee visa approval or entry into the United States. All applicants must still pass standard security vetting and background checks.
- Fans with appointments already scheduled for on or before May 31, 2026, are advised to keep their current dates rather than rescheduling.
- FIFA PASS does not bypass existing travel bans or immigrant visa suspensions. While athletes and team officials may have exceptions, these typically do not apply to general spectators.
- Spouses and minor children may use the priority system only if they are accompanying the ticket holder to their scheduled interview.
Further, the FIFA PASS has several challenges and criticisms:
- Priority bands, while operationally necessary, may be viewed as favoring certain groups. Users may perceive inequities in access.
- Complex interfaces, multi-language needs, and intermittent connectivity at venues can hinder adoption. Accessibility accommodation may require additional configuration and staffing.
- High no-show rates can distort capacity planning. Penalties or strict rescheduling policies, while effective, may be criticized as inflexible amid rapidly changing event schedules.
- Aligning FIFA PASS with accreditation databases, venue access systems, and third-party tools can be technically demanding, increasing the risk of data mismatches or downtime.
- Collecting and processing personal and accreditation data necessitates robust privacy safeguards, role-based access controls, and clear data retention policies to address stakeholder concerns and legal compliance requirements.
FIFA PASS should function as a priority-based scheduling backbone for FIFA events, aligning limited-service capacity with event-critical roles and timelines. Let’s hope it works.
