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The United States government under President Donald J. Trump has officially rolled out a new World Cup–Visa Priority System, a move designed to make it easier for international fans to attend the FIFA World Cup hosted in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
Named the FIFA PASS, this system provides faster visa interview appointments for anyone who has already purchased an official World Cup match ticket. The announcement has generated massive global interest, especially in Africa where football passion runs deep and visa delays have frustrated millions.
This is not a visa waiver. It is a fast-track system that moves legitimate ticket holders to the front of the interview queue, while maintaining the same security checks. In simple terms, no shortcut, but less waiting.
Why This Matters
For years, U.S. visa appointments in many countries stretched from months to over a year. As the world prepares for the biggest football event in history, the U.S. government says it wants to ensure “fans can enjoy the World Cup without unnecessary bottlenecks.”
The government is also deploying 400+ additional consular officers to embassies worldwide to handle the expected surge.
For Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and other African football nations, this announcement is a major game-changer.
How the New World Cup Visa System Works
1. Buy an official World Cup ticket
Only people who have purchased real FIFA match tickets qualify for prioritized scheduling.
Fake tickets will be rejected automatically.
2. Get a unique FAN ID / Ticket Confirmation Code
FIFA will send a confirmation number tied to your ticket purchase.
You will use this number when applying for the visa appointment.
3. Apply for a U.S. visa (B1/B2 — Tourism)
You must complete the normal U.S. visa forms:
- DS-160
- Pay the visa fee
- Upload passport photo
- Prepare supporting documents (travel history, bank statement, job letter, etc.)
The visa is not guaranteed, but the interview date will be prioritized.
4. Enter the FIFA PASS Portal
The U.S. State Department is launching a special online portal for World Cup travelers.
You will submit:
- Passport details
- DS-160 confirmation number
- FIFA ticket confirmation code
- Preferred embassy location
Your interview will be moved ahead of normal applicants.
5. Attend the interview with all documents
Even with priority placement, you must:
- Show proof of ties to home country
- Provide FIFA ticket proof
- Answer normal visa questions
If approved, your visa will be valid for tourist travel and World Cup attendance.
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How to Buy Official World Cup Tickets — Step-by-Step
1. Visit the official FIFA Ticketing Portal
FIFA will open ticket sales in phases. Avoid third-party sellers.
2. Create a FIFA Fan Account
You must register with:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Country of residence
3. Choose your ticket category
There are four main categories:
- Category 1 – Best seats
- Category 2 – Middle
- Category 3 – Upper areas
- Category 4 – Cheapest (for host countries only)
4. Pay online
Payments are made using:
- Visa/Mastercard
- Some digital wallets (depending on your country)
5. Receive confirmation email
This email contains your ticket number, which is needed for the U.S. visa priority system.
6. Download the FIFA Ticketing App
Your mobile match ticket will appear here closer to the tournament date.
Important Notes for Travelers
- A World Cup ticket does NOT guarantee a visa.
- The U.S. visa officer has final decision authority.
- Apply early to avoid last-minute pressure.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
- Avoid buying “travel packages” from unverified agents.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest sports event ever hosted on American soil. With the introduction of the FIFA PASS, fans around the world — including Ghana — now have a clearer, faster pathway to secure a U.S. visa for the tournament.
Football is about passion, unity, and culture. This new system, if used wisely, can make the dream of watching the World Cup live a reality for many Africans who previously found the visa journey too difficult.
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