Brazil Joins Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and Other Nations to Access Expedited US Visa Processing for World Cup 2026 Under FIFA Pass Program: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 24, 2025

Brazil joins Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and other nations to access expedited US visa processing for World Cup 2026 under the FIFA Pass Program. This program ensures priority scheduling, helping fans secure visas in time for the tournament. With the 2026 World Cup set to be the largest in history, attracting millions of fans, the FIFA Pass program aims to address concerns over long visa wait times and ensure that soccer enthusiasts from countries that require U.S. visas can attend the event. While the program offers faster access to visa appointments, applicants must still undergo the standard security vetting process, and a visa is not guaranteed. Here’s everything you need to know about how the FIFA Pass Program will benefit Brazilian fans, along with those from other participating countries.

FIFA Pass Program: Expediting US Visa Process for World Cup Fans

The U.S. government has introduced the FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) to facilitate the entry of international soccer fans attending the 2026 World Cup. This program is designed to address concerns about the long visa wait times, which have been problematic in many countries, potentially preventing millions of fans from securing a visa in time to attend the tournament. FIFA PASS allows fans who have purchased official World Cup tickets through FIFA to access a prioritized visa appointment slot at U.S. embassies and consulates.

Addressing Visa Backlogs: Reducing Wait Times

In response to the anticipated surge of visa applications for World Cup attendees, the U.S. State Department has taken significant steps to address existing visa backlogs. The government deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to handle the high volume of visa applications. As a result, visa interview wait times have been reduced to 60 days or less in around 80% of countries, helping to expedite the process for World Cup-bound travelers.

World Cup Context: Large-Scale Event and Economic Impact

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, with 78 games hosted across 11 U.S. cities. The tournament is expected to attract between 5 to 10 million visitors, generating significant economic impact for the United States. Officials are keen to ensure that visa issues do not hinder attendance, underscoring the importance of smooth entry processes for global fans. The event is projected to generate billions of dollars and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Security Measures: Balancing Accessibility and Safety

While the FIFA PASS program aims to ease entry for soccer fans, security remains a top priority. The U.S. government has emphasized that, despite expedited visa appointment scheduling, the same rigorous security and vetting procedures will be followed. U.S. officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, have reassured the public that the event will be the safest World Cup in history, balancing accessibility with strong security protocols.

FIFA Pass Program: Impact on Visa Processing for World Cup Fans from Key Countries

• France: French fans attending the 2026 World Cup will benefit from the FIFA Pass program, which will expedite their visa interview scheduling. However, they will still undergo the same security checks, and obtaining a visa is not guaranteed despite priority processing.
• Spain: Spanish nationals will be eligible for the FIFA Pass program, ensuring faster access to U.S. visa appointments. While the program reduces wait times, it doesn’t bypass the thorough vetting process, meaning fans should apply early to avoid delays.
• Portugal: Portuguese World Cup fans can utilize the FIFA Pass for quicker visa interview scheduling. Despite the faster processing, they must undergo the standard U.S. visa security checks. Applying in advance is crucial to avoid last-minute delays during peak application periods.
• Brazil: Brazilian fans traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup will be able to access prioritized visa appointments through FIFA Pass. The program helps reduce wait times, but security screenings and visa approval are still mandatory for entry into the U.S.
• Argentina: Argentine fans will have the opportunity to use FIFA Pass for faster scheduling of visa interviews. The program aims to streamline the process, but Argentine nationals must still go through all required security checks, and a ticket does not guarantee visa approval.
• Mexico: Mexican fans will benefit from the FIFA Pass, allowing them to secure a prioritized visa appointment for the World Cup. Despite the expedited process, they will need to undergo the same vetting procedures as any other visa applicant, so early application is advised.
• Germany: German nationals attending the 2026 World Cup can take advantage of FIFA Pass to speed up their U.S. visa application process. However, they must still complete the full visa screening, and a visa is not guaranteed even with a priority appointment.

Requirements for FIFA Pass Program Participation

To be eligible for the FIFA Pass program, applicants must meet certain criteria. Fans must have purchased an official ticket for the 2026 World Cup through FIFA, as only ticket holders are granted access to the prioritized visa appointment scheduling system. Additionally, the program is intended for international fans from countries that require a U.S. visa (non-Visa Waiver Program countries). While the FIFA Pass expedites the scheduling of visa interviews, it does not bypass the standard visa vetting process, which means all applicants must still meet the U.S. visa requirements. Fans should apply well in advance to avoid delays, as securing a visa appointment can be competitive during high-demand periods.

Brazil joins Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and other nations to access expedited US visa processing for World Cup 2026 under the FIFA Pass Program. This program ensures priority scheduling, helping fans secure visas in time for the tournament.

Conclusion

Brazil joins Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and other nations in benefiting from expedited U.S. visa processing for the 2026 World Cup under the FIFA Pass Program. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that fans from these countries can secure timely visas and attend the tournament without delays. By offering prioritized visa appointment scheduling, the FIFA Pass program addresses the concerns of long wait times, making it easier for soccer enthusiasts to travel to the U.S. for this historic event. However, while the program accelerates the scheduling process, all applicants must still undergo standard visa vetting, ensuring security remains a top priority.