The United States announced on 18 November 2025 that it will introduce a ‘FIFA Pass’—a priority-appointment channel in its worldwide visa-processing network—for holders of match tickets to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The scheme, confirmed by the State Department in a statement carried by DPA/Europa Press, will open in early 2026 and run through the tournament, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Why it matters for Spain: Spain is traditionally among the top European sources of outbound spectators to World Cups—more than 35,000 Spanish nationals travelled to Qatar in 2022. Spanish multinationals such as Santander, Iberia and Telefónica are also official sponsors or corporate hospitality partners for 2026, meaning dozens of employee delegates will need B-1/B-2 visas on tight timelines. Under normal conditions, wait times at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and the Consulate in Barcelona can exceed 100 days; the FIFA Pass promises interview slots within two weeks, according to the pilot outline.
Key features:
• Eligibility: confirmed match ticket or corporate hospitality package, passport valid through February 2027, and standard visa documentation. Family members may be bundled on a single appointment.
• Locations: Madrid and Barcelona consular sections will each dedicate two interview windows per working day. Travellers from Spain resident in other Schengen states can apply at the post serving their place of residence.
• Cost: standard B-visa fee (€168) plus a €25 priority-handling surcharge. Fees are non-refundable if applicants fail to attend.
![‘FIFA Pass’ to fast-track U.S. visas for 2026 World Cup ticket-holders—good news for Spanish fans and sponsors]()
Business-mobility impact: HR and global-mobility teams should flag the option to employees, contractors and VIP guests who need to be on-site in North America for marketing activations or venue set-up. Travel-management companies expect a surge in mid-2026 and advise locking in flights on Iberia’s new Madrid-Orlando route or other U.S. gateways early. Companies should also update duty-of-care briefings to reflect heightened security screening at U.S. borders during the event.
Limitations: The FIFA Pass does not waive visa requirements—Spanish citizens will still need a B-visa because Spain remains outside the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Applicants who have previously overstayed or been denied will not qualify. The State Department has not yet clarified whether holders of valid ESTA travel authorisations may switch to the FIFA Pass if they intend stays longer than the 90-day ESTA limit.
Next steps: Online appointment portals will add a ‘FIFA Pass’ option in January 2026, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid plans outreach webinars for Spanish tour operators. Corporations should compile lists of travelling staff and gather ticket confirmations early, as demand is expected to outstrip allocated slots.
Why it matters for Spain: Spain is traditionally among the top European sources of outbound spectators to World Cups—more than 35,000 Spanish nationals travelled to Qatar in 2022. Spanish multinationals such as Santander, Iberia and Telefónica are also official sponsors or corporate hospitality partners for 2026, meaning dozens of employee delegates will need B-1/B-2 visas on tight timelines. Under normal conditions, wait times at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and the Consulate in Barcelona can exceed 100 days; the FIFA Pass promises interview slots within two weeks, according to the pilot outline.
Key features:
• Eligibility: confirmed match ticket or corporate hospitality package, passport valid through February 2027, and standard visa documentation. Family members may be bundled on a single appointment.
• Locations: Madrid and Barcelona consular sections will each dedicate two interview windows per working day. Travellers from Spain resident in other Schengen states can apply at the post serving their place of residence.
• Cost: standard B-visa fee (€168) plus a €25 priority-handling surcharge. Fees are non-refundable if applicants fail to attend.
Business-mobility impact: HR and global-mobility teams should flag the option to employees, contractors and VIP guests who need to be on-site in North America for marketing activations or venue set-up. Travel-management companies expect a surge in mid-2026 and advise locking in flights on Iberia’s new Madrid-Orlando route or other U.S. gateways early. Companies should also update duty-of-care briefings to reflect heightened security screening at U.S. borders during the event.
Limitations: The FIFA Pass does not waive visa requirements—Spanish citizens will still need a B-visa because Spain remains outside the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Applicants who have previously overstayed or been denied will not qualify. The State Department has not yet clarified whether holders of valid ESTA travel authorisations may switch to the FIFA Pass if they intend stays longer than the 90-day ESTA limit.
Next steps: Online appointment portals will add a ‘FIFA Pass’ option in January 2026, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid plans outreach webinars for Spanish tour operators. Corporations should compile lists of travelling staff and gather ticket confirmations early, as demand is expected to outstrip allocated slots.
