By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
The United States Embassy in Ghana has announced sweeping updates to its visa application process for Ghanaian travelers planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that appointment backlogs have been cleared and new interview slots are now widely available.
Speaking during a recent media briefing on February 20, 2026, embassy officials assured prospective travelers that visa processing has returned to normal capacity following the deployment of additional consular officers. The development is expected to ease months of uncertainty among football fans and travelers seeking entry into the United States, one of the tournament’s three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico.
Crucially, the embassy emphasized that applicants for non-immigrant visitor visas under the B1/B2 category do not need to present match tickets before applying. Officials clarified that visa decisions will continue to follow standard U.S. immigration procedures, with no special quotas or guaranteed approvals tied to World Cup attendance.
“There are many appointment slots available as early as next week and for the foreseeable future,” the embassy said, urging applicants to take advantage of the improved access and submit their applications promptly.
The embassy further noted that visa adjudication timelines remain efficient, with most decisions typically completed within a few days after interviews. This assurance comes as global demand for travel to the expanded 48-team World Cup continues to grow, with millions expected to travel across North America for the tournament.
Despite concerns raised in some international media reports regarding immigration enforcement and public safety in the United States, embassy officials reassured Ghanaian travelers that the country remains safe for visitors. However, they advised travelers to comply fully with U.S. laws and carry valid identification at all times during their stay.
The Chargé d’Affaires, Rolf Olson, stressed that while the United States welcomes international visitors, authorities will enforce immigration and criminal laws strictly.
He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the embassy and Ghanaian authorities, including the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports, to ensure fans enjoy a smooth and memorable World Cup experience.
“We are working closely with our Ghanaian partners to ensure supporters traveling to the United States have the best possible experience,” Olson said.
The embassy addressed questions about FIFA’s previously announced Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, which was designed to help World Cup travelers secure expedited visa interviews. Officials explained that the recent expansion in appointment availability means most applicants will no longer need to rely on the special system.
The clarification marks a significant shift from last year, when visa appointment shortages had raised fears that many African fans could struggle to attend the global showpiece.
The United States is expected to host the majority of matches during the 2026 tournament, including fixtures in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. The competition will represent the largest World Cup in history, with increased participation and fan attendance projected to break previous records.
For Ghanaian supporters, the embassy’s announcement removes a major logistical obstacle and provides renewed hope of witnessing football’s biggest event in person.
With visa access restored and timelines shortened, attention is now shifting to travel planning, ticket acquisition, and final tournament preparations as anticipation builds toward the historic global spectacle.
The embassy concluded by encouraging early applications, warning that demand could surge again as the tournament draws closer, potentially increasing waiting times.
The latest announcement is expected to trigger a fresh wave of visa applications from Ghana and across Africa, as fans prepare to follow their teams onto football’s grandest stage.
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