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African football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup may soon secure US visa appointments faster after President Donald Trump announced a new prioritisation system for ticket holders.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, President Trump introduced the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), which will allow fans with valid match tickets to access expedited interview dates at US embassies.
The 2026 World Cup—scheduled for June and July—will be hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada, with most matches taking place in American cities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that PASS offers priority appointments, not automatic visas.
“Your ticket is not a visa,” he stressed. “You’ll still undergo full vetting. The only change is that ticket holders will be moved up in the queue.”
With priority status, fans may receive interview dates within six to eight weeks instead of waiting several months.
Long visa delays have heavily affected countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, with some applicants waiting months for interview slots. In parts of Latin America like Colombia delays stretch up to 11 months, risking fans missing the tournament entirely.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the initiative, saying it will make travel easier for genuine supporters. He estimated that as many as 10 million visitors could arrive in the US during the tournament.
The US Travel Association also praised the move, calling it a practical step that improves efficiency without compromising security.
However, it remains uncertain whether PASS will apply to fans from countries affected by current US travel restrictions. President Trump’s June executive order bans nationals from 12 countries including Iran, whose team has qualified. While athletes and officials are exempt, regular fans may still face limitations.
Visa-free travellers from nations under the US Visa Waiver Programme remain unaffected.
The US approach differs from Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, where a match ticket automatically generated a Fan ID functioning as a visa. PASS will only prioritise interview scheduling—not entry approval.
