The United States Embassy in Panama will prioritize visa applications for Panamanian soccer fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ambassador Kevin Cabrera confirmed the expedited process this week, urging supporters to apply early even though Panama’s final match locations are not yet known. This initiative follows a high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino focused on streamlining consular procedures for the global tournament.
Ambassador Cabrera made the announcement during official events in Colon, linking the policy directly to Panama’s recent qualification for the tournament. He congratulated the national team on its victory against El Salvador, which secured its spot in the first 2026 FIFA World Cup. The diplomat emphasized that the embassy is prepared to facilitate applications for fans, regardless of whether Panama ends up playing in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. The standard visa application fee of $185 remains unchanged for all applicants.
New FIFA Pass System Creates Priority Lane for Fans
A new “FIFA Pass” system will give ticket-holding fans a significant advantage in the U.S. visa process. President Trump and FIFA’s Infantino announced the program from the Oval Office after a meeting of the White House World Cup Task Force. This initiative guarantees that fans with match tickets will receive priority access to appointment slots at U.S. consulates ahead of other scheduled applicants.
We know many Panameños will be excited to apply for a visa. We do not know if the team will play in Canada, the United States, or Mexico, but we are prepared to give priority to people who are going to request the visa. [Translated from Spanish]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided operational details, explaining the massive scale of the consular preparation. The State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to manage the anticipated surge in demand. This has effectively doubled the consular presence in some U.S. embassies. Rubio noted that approximately 80 percent of U.S. consulates globally, including those in major soccer nations like Argentina and Brazil, now offer appointment wait times within 60 days.
Officials Urge Fans Not to Delay Visa Applications
Despite the new expedited processes, U.S. officials are issuing strong warnings against procrastination. Both President Trump and Secretary Rubio explicitly encouraged potential travelers to submit their applications immediately. They stressed that possessing a ticket or a fifa pass does not replace the standard visa security screening.
For those who intend to join us for the World Cup, I strongly recommend that you apply for your visa immediately. [Translated from Spanish]
Secretary Rubio clarified the limitations of the priority system. A ticket guarantees an expedited appointment but not entry into the United States. Every applicant, including those with a FIFA Pass, must undergo the same rigorous background checks and interviews as any other tourist. The program simply moves them to the front of the line for processing. This clarification aims to manage expectations for the millions of international fans expected to travel for the games hosted across North America.
The collaboration between the U.S. government and FIFA underscores the logistical challenges of hosting a mega-event. The State Department’s proactive measures, including the personnel surge and the new priority system, are designed to prevent visa backlogs from hindering fan attendance. For Panamanian fans, the message from their embassy is clear. They should begin gathering their documents and preparing their U.S. Visa applications now to ensure they can cheer on their team in person. The diplomatic relationship, recently highlighted when donald trump thanked Panama for its support at the UN, is now facilitating this sporting connection.