Washington: The United States has launched a new fast-track visa initiative, FIFA PASS, to handle the anticipated surge in applications ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Beginning January 20, the US State Department rolled out the FIFA Priority Appointment Schedule System (FIFA PASS), a programme designed to provide expedited visa interview appointments for confirmed World Cup ticket holders, a senior State Department official said.

The Trump administration said the initiative is part of its effort to ensure a smooth and successful tournament, expected to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, with millions of international football fans travelling to the US.

Under the new system, eligible ticket holders will gain access to prioritised visa appointments, allowing faster consular processing ahead of the tournament, while maintaining full compliance with US immigration rules.

Officials stressed that the programme will not compromise security standards. Applicants must still demonstrate eligibility for a visa, adherence to US laws and their intention to depart after the tournament.

To support the increased demand, the State Department is deploying more than 500 additional consular officers to process FIFA World Cup 2026 visa applications, while retaining the same rigorous screening procedures applied to all travellers.

Global visa wait times have also been reduced, with officials reporting that in more than 80 per cent of countries, visitor visa interview appointments are now available within 60 days, significantly easing earlier backlogs.

Fans planning to attend the World Cup and requiring a visa have been urged to apply as early as possible in their country of nationality or residence. The department has also directed applicants to the official FIFA World Cup 2026 visa information portal.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will feature a record 48 national teams. Eleven US cities will host 78 matches, including the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

This will mark the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the first edition to adopt the expanded 48-team format, significantly increasing the number of matches and international visitors.

IANS