Middle East Economy: The administration has introduced the FIFA PASS priority visa appointment system to streamline the pathway to attend the tournament

The United States is gearing up to welcome between five and seven million international visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia told SPA. The tournament, the largest in football history, will offer fans from around the world an opportunity to explore the U.S. and experience its cultural and geographic diversity.

The embassy said visitors would be encouraged to discover destinations across the country, from Miami to Seattle and from Boston to Los Angeles, rather than limiting their travels to host cities. It added that more than 80 percent of expected international visitors plan to travel beyond major cities, allowing them to experience a wide range of attractions and local communities.

U.S. streamlines visa process for match ticket holders

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia noted that the country has taken steps to facilitate travel for international fans. President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced the FIFA PASS priority visa appointment system, providing match ticket holders who require U.S. visas with a clear and streamlined pathway to attend the tournament.

In addition, the U.S. Department of State has deployed more than 500 additional consular staff worldwide to process World Cup-related visa applications while maintaining rigorous security standards.

According to the embassy, citizens of more than 80 percent of the world’s countries can now secure an interview appointment for a visitor visa in less than 60 days. It added that the U.S. is seeking to balance streamlined access for visitors with strong border security while remaining open to the international community.

$1.23 billion to support security and transport operations

On the security front, the embassy said all World Cup matches hosted in the U.S. have been designated among the highest-tier special events under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s rating system.

More than $1.23 billion has been allocated to support security operations, public transportation systems and law enforcement efforts in host cities. Federal, state and local authorities, together with international partners, are working in close coordination to ensure a safe and memorable experience for the millions of fans expected to attend.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 national teams and 104 matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The U.S. will host 78 matches in 11 cities, including both semifinal matches and the final. The embassy said the tournament represents an unprecedented model of international cooperation as the first FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by three countries.

It added that close cooperation among the U.S., Canada and Mexico in areas such as security, logistics and hospitality demonstrates the ability of nations to achieve success through joint action. The participation of teams and fans from around the world makes the tournament a vivid expression of cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.

International visitors to spend $5,000 each on average

Notably, international visitors attending the tournament are expected to spend more than $5,000 per person on average, nearly double the spending of a typical international traveler. This reflects the event’s significant economic impact and the strong engagement anticipated from football fans worldwide.

The embassy described the 2026 World Cup as the beginning of what the U.S. calls a golden era in sports as the country prepares to host major international sporting events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It said the tournament will serve as an open invitation for the world to discover the U.S. and visit again in the future, citing President Trump as saying, “We can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe.”