Navigating the U.S. Visa Process for the 2026 World Cup

Millions of soccer fans will travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but not everyone can simply buy a ticket and enter. If you are not a U.S. citizen or a national from one of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, you will need a B1/B2 visitor visa. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With potential interview wait times stretching from months to over a year, understanding the application process and starting early is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on the action. This guide breaks down the steps for obtaining a U.S. visa for the World Cup.

Determining Your Entry Requirements: Visa or ESTA?

The first step in planning your trip is to confirm whether you need a full B1/B2 visitor visa or if you can enter using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Your nationality is the deciding factor. Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, which include nations like the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, and Germany, can apply online for an ESTA. This process is simpler and less time-consuming than a visa application.

For those not from VWP countries, such as citizens of Brazil, India, Nigeria, or South Africa, a B1/B2 visitor visa is required. This involves a more detailed application process, including an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you already possess a valid B1/B2 visa that will remain current throughout your travel dates, you do not need to reapply.

Feature	ESTA	B1/B2 Visa
Eligibility	Citizens of 42 VWP countries	All other nationalities
Cost	Approximately $40	$185 (MRV fee) + up to $250 (Integrity Fee)
Interview	Not required	Required, in person
Application	Online via esta.cbp.dhs.gov	U.S. embassy or consulate website
Validity	2 years, allows stays up to 90 days	Often up to 10 years, multiple entries

It is important to note that neither an ESTA nor a U.S. visa grants entry into Canada or Mexico. If your travel plans include attending matches in these countries, you must meet their separate entry requirements, such as Canada’s eTA or visa.

Leveraging FIFA PASS for Priority Scheduling

For fans who purchased tickets directly from FIFA and need a B1/B2 visa, the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS, offers a way to secure an earlier interview slot. This program is voluntary and links your match ticket to your visa application. While it speeds up the scheduling process, it does not alter the fundamental qualification criteria for obtaining a visa.

To opt into FIFA PASS, you will need to log into your FIFA.com account and complete the designated opt-in form. It is crucial that the name, passport number, and travel details provided in your FIFA PASS application precisely match those on your visa application, Form DS-160. If you are traveling with family, spouses and minor children can only be included in a FIFA PASS appointment if they attend the same interview as the ticket holder.

A special incentive was offered for early opt-ins: nationals of competing countries who bought tickets and opted into FIFA PASS by April 15, 2026, and who met other eligibility criteria, had the U.S. visa bond requirement waived.

Completing Form DS-160 and Understanding Visa Fees

The primary application form for all B1/B2 visa applicants is the DS-160, an online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. You must complete this form accurately, upload a recent photograph that meets specific requirements, and pay the associated visa application fees. When filling out the DS-160, ensure you answer “Yes” to the question about being a FIFA World Cup ticket holder if you have opted into FIFA PASS.

The costs associated with a U.S. visitor visa can add up. The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185 and is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved. In addition to this, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 was introduced in July 2025 for most nonimmigrant visas. This fee is collected only if your visa is issued, bringing the potential total cost to $435. Travelers using the ESTA alternative pay a significantly lower fee of $40.

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
MRV Application Fee	$185	Non-refundable
Visa Integrity Fee	$250	Collected upon visa issuance
Total if Visa Issued	$435
ESTA (VWP Travelers Only)	$40

The Visa Integrity Fee is generally non-refundable, except in very specific circumstances, such as departing the U.S. on time and fully complying with visa terms. It is advisable to budget for this fee as a definite cost.

Scheduling Your Interview and Preparing Documentation

Following the submission of your DS-160 and payment of fees, the next step is to schedule your visa interview. Applicants who have opted into FIFA PASS will be directed to prioritized appointment slots within the standard scheduling system for their country. Some individuals renewing an existing B1/B2 visa may be eligible for an interview waiver, allowing them to bypass the in-person interview.

The interview itself is a critical stage where a consular officer assesses your eligibility as a genuine visitor who intends to depart the U.S. after the tournament. Therefore, meticulously preparing your documentation is as important as your responses. Key documents to bring include:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• The DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.
• Your appointment confirmation and proof of fee payment.
• Your FIFA World Cup match ticket or proof of purchase.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your trip, such as bank statements or pay stubs.
• Documentation demonstrating ties to your home country, like a letter of employment or proof of property ownership.
• A detailed travel itinerary and confirmed U.S. accommodation details.

Thoroughly reviewing common B1/B2 interview questions and answers can help you prepare for the conversation.

Attending the Interview and Post-Approval Planning

During your visa interview, answer all questions honestly and concisely. The consular officer will be looking for a clear understanding of your travel plans, including which matches you plan to attend, the duration of your stay, and your reasons for returning to your home country. While mentioning your World Cup ticket is relevant, your overall profile and demonstrated intent to comply with visa regulations are what ultimately determine approval.

If your visa application is approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp, typically within a few business days. It is important to understand that your visa is a travel document, but your authorized length of stay in the U.S. is determined by the I-94 record issued by a Customs and Border Protection officer upon your arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Always check your I-94 date and ensure you depart the U.S. on or before it. Overstaying your authorized period can lead to significant consequences, including reentry bans and potential forfeiture of the Visa Integrity Fee.

Common Pitfalls for World Cup Visa Applicants

Several common mistakes can hinder a World Cup fan’s visa application:

1. Assuming a Ticket Guarantees a Visa: A match ticket does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must meet the standard eligibility requirements for a visitor visa. FIFA PASS only helps with interview scheduling.
2. Delaying the Application: Long interview wait times mean that starting the process late can mean missing the tournament. It is advisable to begin your application as soon as possible.
3. Confusing ESTA with a Visa or Cross-Border Entry: ESTA is only for citizens of VWP countries. U.S. travel authorizations do not extend to Canada or Mexico, which have their own entry rules.
4. Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between your FIFA PASS opt-in and your DS-160 application can lead to the loss of priority scheduling. Ensure all details are identical across all forms.

With your visa secured, focus on the logistics of your trip, including accommodation and travel between host cities. Remember to always adhere to your I-94 authorized stay dates.