Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States will now benefit from priority visa interview appointments, thanks to the introduction of a new expedited system known as the FIFA PASS.
The initiative follows a major decision by the U.S. government to fast-track visa processing for international ticket holders traveling for the global tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026. Matches will be hosted across 11 U.S. cities, with additional fixtures in Mexico and Canada.
The announcement was made at the White House after a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, senior government officials, and the FIFA Task Force. President Trump confirmed that the FIFA PASS will allow fans with verified match tickets to secure prioritized visa appointments, ensuring quicker travel clearance ahead of the competition.
“Government agencies have worked to ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the U.S. next summer easily,” President Trump said, adding that visa wait times have now been reduced to 60 days or fewer in most countries.
According to Trump, the upcoming World Cup could inject $30 billion into the U.S. economy and create over 200,000 jobs, further motivating efforts to streamline the entry process for millions of visitors.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed that the State Department has added 400 consular officers globally, doubling staff strength in several regions, to support the accelerated visa operations.
“The U.S. is offering prioritized appointments so fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify,” Rubio said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that between 5 million and 10 million fans are expected to travel to the U.S. for the tournament. FIFA has already sold over one million tickets to buyers from 212 countries, signaling strong global enthusiasm.
FIFA has also confirmed that ticket holders will receive detailed instructions on how to access the priority visa system in early 2026, giving fans ample time to complete their travel arrangements.
For Ghanaian supporters, this move is expected to significantly ease the often lengthy visa acquisition process, ensuring that more fans can support the Black Stars on football’s biggest stage.
