Less than a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, American authorities are relaxing a significant measure for some foreign supporters.
According to information released by the US State Department to the American news agency Associated Press (AP), ticket holders confirmed for the tournament will not be required to pay the visa bond that has been required for several months from citizens of certain countries.
This exemption applies to qualified travelers who have purchased tickets for the World Cup and have registered with the FIFA PASS system, which allows for priority slots for visa interviews.
It does not eliminate the visa requirement when applicable, but it eases a significant financial burden for some visitors expected in the United States.
A targeted exemption for ticket holders
The measure targets supporters from countries subject to the American “visa bond” program, a bond required for certain B1/B2 visa applicants due to overstay rates or security concerns identified by US authorities.
The State Department indicates that individuals concerned may be required to pay a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the amount determined during the consular interview. This sum is normally refunded if the traveler meets the visa conditions, does not ultimately travel to the US before the visa expires, or is refused entry upon arrival.
For the 2026 World Cup, this bond will not be required for supporters meeting the conditions announced by Washington. According to Associated Press, the exemption applies to ticket holders who have opted for the FIFA PASS system, established to facilitate access to visa appointments before the competition.
“The United States is excited to host the largest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” said Mora Namdar, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. She stated that US authorities will “waive visa bonds for eligible supporters who have purchased tickets for the World Cup” and used the FIFA PASS, which allows for visa appointments since April 15.
Five directly qualifying countries affected
The official list of countries subject to a visa bond currently includes around fifty states. Among them are several countries qualified for the 2026 World Cup, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
These supporters could theoretically face a very high expense even before their departure, in addition to visa fees, airfare, accommodation, and match tickets. The exemption announced by the US administration reduces this obstacle, even though travelers must still obtain the required visa and meet the usual checks.
Players, coaches, and certain delegation members were already exempt from this bond as part of measures to prioritize visa processing for the tournament. This announcement now includes ordinary supporters, provided they meet the criteria defined by US authorities.
The FIFA PASS speeds up appointments but does not guarantee the visa
The FIFA PASS, which stands for FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, was introduced in November 2025 by FIFA and US authorities. This system allows ticket holders for matches held in the US to access priority slots for their visa interview.
It is not a special World Cup visa or an automatic entry authorization into the US. Travelers still need to apply for a visa if they are not eligible for the visa waiver program, attend the consular interview (if necessary), and demonstrate that they meet the required conditions.
The FIFA reminds supporters from countries participating in the US visa waiver program that they can apply for an ESTA authorization, similar to a standard tourist trip to the US.
No Fan ID or common entry system for the three host countries
The 2026 World Cup will be held in three countries, but entry conditions remain specific to each host state. Travelers must therefore adhere to the rules of Canada, the US, and Mexico depending on the matches they will attend.
The official FAQ related to World Cup hospitality offers specifies that no Fan ID or Hayya-type system, similar to those used in previous editions, will be implemented for this tournament. Supporters must check the applicable formalities with the authorities of the concerned countries before departure.
For the US, this means that eligible travelers for ESTA must obtain this authorization before departure, while others must follow the appropriate visa procedure. Possessing a match ticket may grant access to the FIFA PASS, but it does not replace a valid travel authorization.
An expected announcement amid stringent visa constraints
This exemption comes at a time when the deadlines, costs, and processing conditions for American visas are receiving particular attention as the tournament approaches. The Associated Press notes that American hospitality professional organizations have expressed concerns about the impact of visa obstacles and uncertainty on international demand for the World Cup.
The measure only affects a limited number of supporters, but it has symbolic significance. It demonstrates that US authorities are seeking to reconcile heightened immigration controls with hosting a major global sporting event.
For travelers, the practical message remains unchanged: it is advisable to thoroughly check the applicable entry conditions, not wait until the last minute to initiate a visa or ESTA application, and not consider the match ticket as a guarantee of entry into the US.
Key points for travelers
- Supporters holding tickets for the 2026 World Cup may benefit from a visa bond exemption if they are subject to the American program and meet the FIFA PASS-related conditions.
- This exemption does not waive the visa requirement for travelers who cannot enter the US with an ESTA. The visa is still subject to review by American consular authorities.
- Entry formalities remain separate for the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup. A trip combining multiple matches in Canada, the US, and Mexico may require several verifications before departure.
