Football fans in Ghana with tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have got a huge boost, with the United States Embassy in Accra announcing priority access to U.S. visa interview appointments for eligible ticket holders flying to the tournament.
The embassy revealed on Facebook that fans who bought tickets directly from FIFA.com and signed up for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) would get first dibs on visa interview times prior to 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. 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 embassy stated.
However, the embassy made it clear that priority scheduling does not ensure that a visa will be granted.
It emphasised that “all visa applicants undergo screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa,” and that using FIFA PASS to schedule an appointment does not ensure that a visa will be granted.
Before scheduling an interview, candidates must first complete the FIFA PASS opt-in form via their FIFA.com accounts, complete the DS-160 visa application form, upload a current photo, and pay the relevant visa charge.
If their details match FIFA records, eligible ticket holders will be granted priority places.
Additionally, the embassy advised supporters without valid U.S. visas to act quickly. “If you need a U.S. visa and don’t have one yet, NOW is the time to apply!” it said. Travellers from Ghana who are not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program must have valid B1/B2 visiting visas, and they are advised to apply well in advance. FIFA PASS appointments may also be available to ticket holders’ spouses and small children if they attend the interview jointly.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the United States hosting most of the games. There will be 48 national teams competing in the expanded competition, including a record 10 from Africa.
Source: newsthemegh.com