1. The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has increased the availability of non-immigrant visa appointment slots to meet higher demand, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2. Ghanaians are encouraged to apply early for U.S. visas, especially if planning to attend the tournament and lacking a valid visa.
3. A specialized scheduling system, referred to as the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass), is introduced to address high application volumes.
4. Despite the measures, visa approval is contingent upon applicants meeting security and eligibility criteria.

In a statement released this week, the U.S. Embassy in Accra said it had expanded capacity to meet rising demand, noting that “many [appointments are] available now” and that the mission “continues to process non-immigrant visa applications.”

Ghanaians intending to attend the World Cup were urged to apply early if they do not already hold a valid U.S. visa.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny around World Cup travel, as the U.S. government rolls out the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA Pass, for ticket holders.

While the system is intended to reduce visa wait times, U.S. authorities stress that it does not guarantee approval. Applicants will still undergo “thorough security screening and vetting,” with border security remaining a priority.

The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada after their joint bid defeated Morocco’s, securing 135 of 206 votes, compared with 65 for the North African country.

World Cup access meets immigration clampdown

The expanded visa slots for Ghanaians stand in contrast to broader immigration restrictions that take effect on January 21, 2026.

Under the new policy, the U.S. Department of State is pausing all immigrant visa issuances to nationals of certain countries, including Ghana, citing high rates of public assistance use by immigrants.

The embassy clarified that affected applicants may still submit applications and attend interviews, but “no immigrant visas will be issued to nationals of these countries during this pause.”

Crucially, the restriction does not apply to non-immigrant visas, which cover tourism and short-term travel such as attending the World Cup.

This distinction places Ghanaian football fans in a narrow window of opportunity. While non-immigrant travel remains open, U.S. officials have reiterated that visa approval depends on applicants proving they will comply with U.S. law and leave after the tournament.

With the United States hosting the majority of World Cup matches, including the final, demand for visas is expected to surge.

For Ghanaian fans, the embassy’s expanded appointment slots may ease access, but the final decision still rests with U.S. immigration authorities.

(BI)