Newsletters
Turkish fans holding official 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets can apply for expedited U.S. visa interviews through the FIFA PASS system, as demand for American visas surges following Türkiye's qualification for the tournament.
The FIFA PASS is a voluntary, opt-in program announced by the U.S. Department of State that allows official World Cup ticket holders to access prioritized visa interview appointments.
Under the system, the standard wait time, which can stretch to several months, may be reduced to as little as 15 days for eligible applicants.
Fans who purchased tickets through FIFA.com or an official partner, On Location, are eligible to enroll.
To apply, ticket holders must log in to their FIFA.com account, submit an opt-in form with their name and passport number exactly as they appear in their passport, and then begin the standard US visa application process at the official FIFA website.
If the information in the visa system matches FIFA's ticketholder data, applicants are granted access to a priority appointment slot.
The Trump administration has assigned 500 additional staff members to process World Cup-related visa applications.
Mert Aksoy, an official at the U.S. Visa Center and a tourism consultant, said the increased demand following Türkiye's qualification for the national team is expected to place significant pressure on the application system.
Aksoy noted that while the FIFA PASS accelerates the appointment process, it does not guarantee visa approval. Application files must be prepared completely and accurately, he said.
Fans who already hold a valid U.S. visa or who are eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa-waiver program do not need to use the FIFA PASS and should proceed directly through standard channels.
Travel agencies estimate that more than 20,000 fans from Türkiye could travel to the United States for the tournament, which kicks off June 11, 2026.
When combined with the Turkish diaspora abroad, the total number of Turkish fans expected in the stands could range from 30,000 to 40,000.
However, quota restrictions are expected to limit official ticket capacity to 4,000-5,000 people.
Experts warn that tickets purchased through unofficial sources could create complications during the visa process.
Because FIFA PASS eligibility is tied exclusively to tickets bought via FIFA.com or On Location, black-market purchases would not qualify a fan for priority appointments and may raise flags during the application review.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
