US host cities are bracing for massive economic gains from the 2026 World Cup, but the size of the boost depends on the success of FIFA PASS in getting fans into the country.
The US government has launched FIFA PASS, a system giving World Cup 2026 ticket holders priority visa appointments for matches in the US.
Announced on November 17 at the White House, the launch of the Fifa Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass) was attended by President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and members of the White House Task Force for the World Cup.
Speaking at the event, Infantino said the initiative demonstrates the US’ commitment to hosting “the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history.”
Rubio explained the FIFA PASS will allow ticket holders to complete their visa interviews while remaining fully vetted.
“Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US,” Rubio said. “We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue.”
Noem went on to highlight that the programme aims to ensure fans can enjoy the tournament safely and experience the US, as well as football itself to the fullest.
FIFA PASS will be available in early 2026 for fans from countries where visa interviews are required and those eligible can schedule appointments directly through the system. Ticket holders from Visa Waiver Programme countries may still travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
A lot at stake for host cities
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the largest tournament in history, with 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the US, Canada and Mexico. In the US, 78 matches are scheduled across 11 cities, with more than six million tickets available for fans.
FIFA PASS is part of a broader effort to deliver on President Trump’s promise to host “the best-run soccer tournament the world has ever seen,” made during the first White House Task Force meeting on future FIFA events in May 2025.
The US has trialled similar initiatives before, as during this year’s Club World Cup, visa interviews were processed earlier and faster, allowing fans smoother entry. However, the World Cup is on a much larger scale, with teams arriving from Africa and Asia, two continents which often face added friction when attempting to enter the country.
The Trump administration’s focus on stricter border controls since January 2025 has also heightened concerns, but officials are emphasising that as many fans as possible should gain entry, given the financial stakes for host cities.
Ahead of the Club World Cup, Jason Siegel, President and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, said Orlando was preparing for a major economic impact.
“We are eagerly anticipating the monumental effect the Club World Cup will have on our community. With an estimated economic impact of $70-90m, this international event is set to make a significant mark,” he told Insider Sport in March 2025. .
Estimates for the FIFA World Cup 2026 suggest an even greater impact. According to a joint FIFA and World Trade Organisation study, the tournament is expected to create 185,000 full-time jobs, deliver $30.5bn in gross output, and contribute $17.2bn to the US GDP.
Atlanta, which hosted this year’s Club World Cup matches, will also play a central role in 2026, including a semi-final.
Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council and the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, told Insider Sport: “Hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 is projected to generate an estimated economic impact of more than $503m for Atlanta and the entire state of Georgia.
“The tournament will drive an unprecedented influx of international visitors, boost hotel occupancy, increase restaurant business, and support long-term opportunities for our city and state.”
