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FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders to benefit from prioritised U.S. visa appointments for travel to the United States
FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders travelling to the United States are now eligible for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS).
During a landmark event at the White House attended by the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the White House Task Force and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the U.S. Department of State unveiled the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, FIFA PASS, for FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders attending matches in the United States.
This service gives every fan who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritised visa interview.
The announcement represents a major milestone in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup underscoring the close collaboration between FIFA and the White House Task Force in delivering a truly groundbreaking global event.
Following the announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “America welcomes the World. We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history – and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Executive Director Andrew Giuliani and the White House Task Force for their incredible support. The United States is set to welcome fans from around the world on an unprecedented scale, and we are preparing to ensure that football unites the world when the tournament kicks off in North America next June,” he said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “The United States is offering prioritized appointments so FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify. The kick-off is coming up, so now is the time to apply. We’re honored to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history.”
Over six million tickets will be available for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to be held across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Fans who are in countries with available interview appointments and need a U.S. visa should apply with immediate effect at: FIFA World Cup 2026™ – United States Department of State. Further information regarding the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System will be shared with ticket holders in early 2026.
In addition, fans from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be eligible to apply for visa waiver travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA).
Earlier this year, FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat released a study outlined the substantial socioeconomic impact that the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to generate across the United States.
According to their estimates, the tournament will create 185,000 full-time jobs, deliver USD 30.5 billion in gross output, and contribute USD 17.2 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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