UAE football fans planning to head to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026, here’s an important visa reminder from the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi. A match ticket, no matter how prized, won’t guarantee entry into the country. The Embassy has made it clear that visa rules remain unchanged, as anticipation for the tournament surges.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Won’t Guarantee UAE Fans A US Visa
A spokesperson said the United States spoke to Gulf News as mentioned in their latest report. They are gearing up to welcome global visitors for what is expected to be the largest World Cup ever staged. The reassurance came with a firm clarification that a ticket does not secure a visa, nor does it influence how long a traveller may stay in the country.
What Travellers Need To Know
According to the Embassy, the standard B1/B2 visitor visa remains the primary route for UAE-based fans heading to the tournament. There are no special or event-specific visas for World Cup attendees. All applicants must adhere to US legal requirements, like other country fans.
To ease access to interview slots, the Embassy confirmed the introduction of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as PASS. This upcoming platform is designed to fast-track interview appointments for fans who already hold match tickets. Nonetheless, the PASS won’t guarantee visa approval. It is created to help travellers secure an earlier interview date as long waits continue across the region.
Priority Access, Not Priority Approval
Officials have stressed that PASS only speeds up the scheduling process. It does not change the criteria used during the approval of a visa. Every visa application will continue to be assessed individually, based on the applicant’s circumstances and compliance with immigration laws.
Visa processing in the United States remains a two-part system. The State Department issues visas, but admission into the country is ultimately determined by the Department of Homeland Security at the border. The clarification comes at a time when regular visa interview wait times stretch well into late 2026. This might push many fans to look for alternative pathways to stay on track with their travel plans.
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A Regional Boost & A Global Spotlight
The US World Cup cycle has also prompted wider coordination in Washington. A dedicated federal task force has been established to manage preparations for both the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 tournament.
The update has sparked familiar conversations in the UAE, where the 2022 World Cup in Qatar still serves as a reminder of how major football events ripple across the region. For now, the message from the Embassy is to apply early, be prepared and understand the requirements of visa even when holding the FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/alessandrobiascioli
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First Published: December 11, 2025 6:24 PM