World Cup 2026: US Embassy in Ghana offers priority visa access for FIFA ticket holders

Football fans in Ghana planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States have received a major boost after the United States Embassy in Accra announced prioritised visa interview appointments for eligible ticket holders.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the embassy disclosed that fans who purchased official match tickets through FIFA.com and enrolled in the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) would gain preferential access to U.S. visa interview slots ahead of the tournament.

“Great news for FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders who will travel to the United States this year — we're giving you prioritised access to U.S. visa appointments through FIFA PASS,” the embassy stated.

The embassy encouraged eligible applicants to begin the visa process immediately to avoid delays as global demand for travel to the tournament is expected to increase significantly in the coming months.

“If you bought a ticket on fifa.com for any of the games in the United States and opted in for FIFA PASS, schedule your visa interview appointment ASAP!” the statement added.

Despite the priority scheduling arrangement, the embassy clarified that participation in the FIFA PASS system does not automatically guarantee visa approval.

According to the embassy, all applicants will still undergo standard screening and assessment procedures under United States immigration laws and must demonstrate eligibility for a visa.

“All visa applicants undergo screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa,” the embassy stressed.

To qualify for the priority appointment system, applicants are required to complete the FIFA PASS opt-in form through their FIFA.com accounts, submit the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form, upload a current passport photograph and pay the applicable visa processing fee before scheduling an interview.

The embassy explained that eligible applicants would only receive access to priority appointment slots if their submitted information successfully matches FIFA ticket records.

The announcement is expected to generate excitement among Ghanaian football supporters hoping to travel to the United States for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

The U.S. Embassy also advised fans who do not currently possess valid U.S. visas to begin the application process immediately.

“If you need a U.S. visa and don't have one yet, NOW is the time to apply!” the embassy advised.

Because Ghana is not part of the United States Visa Waiver Programme, Ghanaian travellers attending the tournament will be required to obtain valid B1/B2 visitor visas before travelling.

The embassy further noted that spouses and minor children accompanying eligible ticket holders may also benefit from the FIFA PASS appointment system provided they attend the visa interview together.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three countries will co-host the global football tournament.

The competition will also be historic for featuring an expanded format of 48 national teams, with Africa receiving a record allocation of 10 qualification slots.

The United States is expected to host the majority of matches, making it the primary destination for international supporters travelling for the tournament.

Football analysts predict that the expanded competition will attract millions of visitors from around the world, leading to heightened demand for travel documentation, accommodation and related services.

The embassy’s announcement is therefore being viewed as an important step in helping Ghanaian supporters secure timely visa appointments ahead of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.