Updated: October 2026. FIFA Live Updates is an independent fan website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to FIFA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup ran from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across Canada, Mexico and the United States. For travelling supporters, two practical topics drew a lot of attention before the tournament: the FIFA PASS visa-appointment scheme for the United States, and the price of official stadium parking. This article summarises what was officially announced and what reputable news outlets reported, with sources listed at the end.
What was FIFA PASS?
FIFA PASS stands for FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System. It was announced on 17 November 2025 at a White House event, as a scheme led by the U.S. Department of State, and FIFA confirmed on 20 January 2026 that it was live.
- Who it was for: fans holding tickets bought through FIFA’s official ticketing channels who needed a U.S. visitor (B1/B2) visa.
- What it did: it offered those ticket holders prioritised visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates. This mattered most in countries where normal interview waiting times were long.
- How it worked: it was voluntary. Existing ticket holders received opt-in instructions from FIFA ticketing, and later buyers were offered it at purchase.
- Who did not need it: travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries, who use the ESTA system instead of a visa interview.
What FIFA PASS did not guarantee
FIFA PASS only speeded up access to an interview. It did not guarantee that a visa would be issued. Applicants still had to meet the normal eligibility requirements, and FIFA’s ticketing help centre stated that holding a World Cup ticket does not guarantee the issuance of a visa or admission to the country. Anyone planning to travel to a future tournament should treat a match ticket and a visa as two completely separate steps.
World Cup 2026 parking: what was reported
Official match-day parking for the U.S. venues was sold online in advance through FIFA’s parking partner, JustPark. Prices varied by stadium and by match, and several outlets reported that they rose over time. The figures below are the prices those outlets reported on the dates shown; they are not a complete price list.
| Stadium / match | Reported price per car | Source (date) |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, group-stage match | $75 | Sports Illustrated (Nov 2025) |
| Philadelphia, group-stage match | $115 | Sports Illustrated (Nov 2025) |
| Boston (Gillette Stadium), quarter-final | $145 | Sports Illustrated (Nov 2025) |
| Dallas (AT&T Stadium), semi-final | $175 | Sports Illustrated (Nov 2025) |
| New York New Jersey (MetLife), group stage | $225 | Inside World Football, citing The Athletic (Feb 2026) |
| Miami, Colombia v Portugal | $250 | Inside World Football, citing The Athletic (Feb 2026) |
| Boston, England v Ghana | up to $600 | Inside World Football, citing The Athletic (Feb 2026) |
| Miami, third-place match | $249.99 | beIN Sports (Apr 2026) |
According to the February 2026 report, the average price had reached about $175, parking for the final at MetLife Stadium had sold out, and accessible (ADA) parking was priced the same as standard parking at 10 of the 11 U.S. host stadiums.
Why parking became a talking point
Many of the U.S. host stadiums are NFL venues located outside city centres, such as AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. For fans used to walking or taking a metro to a stadium, the need to pre-book parking, or to plan shuttles and rail connections instead, was an unfamiliar extra cost. In several cases the reported parking price was higher than the cheapest match tickets that had been advertised.
Ticket pricing in context
- FIFA used variable pricing for 2026, meaning prices could change with demand. When it was announced in September 2025, initial prices ranged from $60 for some group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final (excluding hospitality).
- The Associated Press reported in April 2026 that the highest standard price for the final had reached $10,990.
- FIFA also introduced a fixed-price Supporter Entry Tier at $60 per ticket, covering 10% of each qualified team’s national-association allocation.
Practical lessons for future tournaments
- Buy tickets only through official channels and the official resale platform. Unofficial sellers carry a real risk of invalid tickets.
- Start visa planning early. Check the entry rules of every host country you will visit, not just the one with your first match.
- Compare transport options before buying parking. Shuttles, rail and park-and-ride services can be cheaper, although availability differs by city.
- Check accessibility arrangements directly with the venue or organiser if you need them.
- Confirm details on official websites close to the date, because prices and arrangements can change.
Frequently asked questions
Did FIFA PASS guarantee a U.S. visa?
No. It gave eligible ticket holders priority access to a visa interview appointment. The visa decision remained with U.S. consular officials.
Who sold official parking for the 2026 World Cup?
Official parking at the U.S. venues was sold in advance online through FIFA’s parking partner JustPark, according to Sports Illustrated.
How much did parking cost?
Reported prices ranged from about $75 to $250 for most matches, with some reports of up to $600 for a high-demand match in Boston. Prices varied by venue, match and date of purchase.
Related articles
- FIFA World Cup 2026 winner: final score, results and awards
- All 16 World Cup 2026 venues and host cities
- How the 48-team World Cup 2026 format worked
Sources
- FIFA: World Cup 2026 ticket holders prioritised for U.S. visa appointments
- U.S. Department of State: FIFA World Cup 26 visas
- Sports Illustrated: World Cup parking could cost more than admission
- Inside World Football: FIFA parking prices average $175
- beIN Sports: parking prices in Miami
- FIFA: Supporter Entry Tier announcement
