m88worldcups.com – The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, also known as the Fifa Pass, announced by US President Donald Trump last November, was officially launched on Tuesday.

The system was introduced in part because citizens from some countries that qualified for the 2026 World Cup might not obtain visa appointments in time for the tournament.

However, the US Department of State emphasized that holding a Fifa Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval, and all ticket holders must still undergo comprehensive security checks and background screening.

Fifa Pass System: Accelerating Visa Appointment Processing

Most citizens from countries included in the US visa waiver program—which covers most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, as well as Japan, Australia, and other countries—can typically travel without a visa for up to 90 days, making the Fifa Pass unnecessary.

They only need to apply through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

A senior official from the US Department of State stated that the new Fifa Pass system will reduce waiting times.

Currently, applicants from more than 80% of countries can schedule visa appointments in less than 60 days.

The official added, “At the visa appointment, applicants must demonstrate that they are eligible for the visa, intend to comply with our laws, and plan to leave the country after the tournament concludes. American safety and border security remain top priorities.”

What About Countries Affected by Immigrant Visa Suspension?

Soccer fans from countries affected by the suspension of immigrant visa processing can still apply for travel to the US for this year’s World Cup.

The US announced the previous Wednesday that it would suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, 15 of which have already qualified for the World Cup, including five-time champions Brazil.

Seven other countries on this list still have a chance to qualify for the tournament, which will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The Department of State clarified that the suspension only applies to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals.

World Cup-qualified countries from the 75-country list: Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan.

Countries still vying for qualification from the list: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo, North Macedonia.

What About Countries Subject to Travel Bans?

The order to suspend immigrant visa applications from 75 countries will take effect on Wednesday, 21 January. Previously, Trump expanded the travel ban effective 1 January, prohibiting citizens from these countries from entering the US.

Countries such as Haiti and Iran, both qualified for the 2026 World Cup, are included on the list with a full ban.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast and Senegal, also qualified, are on the list with a partial ban.

The Department of State emphasized that Fifa Pass appointments do not authorize those “legally ineligible” to obtain a visa.

This means that fans from these four countries are likely unable to travel to the US for the summer tournament.

However, exceptions exist for athletes or members of sports teams, including coaches, essential support staff, and immediate family members, who can still cross borders despite the travel ban during the World Cup.

Nonetheless, these exceptions do not apply to fans or spectators, who can still apply for a visa but may not be eligible to receive one or enter the US.

World Cup Schedule in the US

The United States will host 78 of the 104 World Cup matches, spread across 11 cities, including the final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.