US Embassy Issues New Update for Ghanaians With Match Tickets for the World Cup

US Embassy Issues New Update for Ghanaians With Match Tickets for the World Cup

  • The United States Embassy has got people talking online with its announcement concerning the 2026 World Cup
  • This comes after it disclosed plans for Ghanaians who have already purchased tickets for the tournament
  • Social media users have meanwhile shared diverse views on the disclosure made by the Embassy in the wake of the announcement
  • In a comment to YEN.COM.GH, a US-based immigration lawyer enlightened Ghanaians on what goes on when it comes to visa approval

The US Embassy in Accra has provided an update to Ghanaians planning to travel to watch the World Cup games.

The Embassy, in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 14, disclosed that Ghanaian ticket holders will be given priority access when it comes to visa appointments under the FIFA PASS initiative.

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The US Embassy in Accra releases a statement to Ghanaians seeking to travel for the World Cup. Photo credit: Alex Grimm, Alexander H. Helin/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

With this, it called on persons who bought tickets on FIFA.com, as well as those who opted into FIFA PASS, to schedule their appointments immediately.

Read also

US eases visa restrictions on 5 African countries, suspends $15,000 bond for fans

It, however, indicated that all applicants will be taken through security screening and must ensure they qualify for the visa.

“Great news for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders who will travel to the United States this year, we’re giving you prioritised access to U.S. visa appointments through FIFA PASS. If you bought a ticket on fifa.com for any of the games in the United States and opted in for FIFA PASS, schedule your visa interview appointment ASAP! All visa applicants undergo screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa,” the statement read.
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The US, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, has tightened immigration rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Photo credit: @Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

US Embassy issues statement on World Cup travel

The US Embassy has been very keen on ensuring the right people are issued visas to support the Black Stars at the World Cup in the US.

Recently, Consul General Elliot Fertik, at a media training session for journalists and content creators, detailed the application process for Ghanaians planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He cautioned that violations such as overstaying could result in long-term entry bans.

Read also

US Embassy cautions Ghanaians against visa overstay ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Elliot Fertik disclosed that fans and tourists must apply for a B1/B2 visa, while media professionals are required to obtain the I-class visa.

The Facebook post is below:

Consistency and immigration records play a role

Akua Poku, in a comment to YEN.com.gh, indicated that being consistent in your visa application plays a significant role in whether the visa officer approves your visa or not.

She advised applicants that contradictions could lead to visa denial.

“The DS-160, Form I-20, supporting documents, interview responses, prior visa applications, entry history, and immigration records must align. Even minor discrepancies can raise credibility concerns because prior filings remain in the government’s system.”

Reactions to US Embassy statement on World Cup

Social media users who took to the comments section of the post have also shared their views on the announcement by the US Embassy.

Charles Benjamin MacCarthy stated:

“As if they’re going to grant the fans visa.”

Emmanuel Owusu Osei indicated:

“Football for all… now only football for the rich because no poor person can gain entry to the USA.”

Read also

2026 World Cup: Immigration lawyer warns Ghanaian supporters travelling to the US

Ike Zibit said:

“I know many guys with tickets who were denied though. They are just trying to get a lot of people to pay for the visa fees.”

Kudjo Kelvin indicated:

“Ghana and the United States will be a visa-free country in my lifetime!”

Utamila Zak stated:

“They are just refusing people there. Don’t waste your money applying. We can watch it on TV.”

Berneese gets a US visa approved

Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that Ghanaian social media influencer Berneese announced that her US visa had been approved.

In a post on her X page on April 20, 2026, Berneese shared what transpired when she went to the US Embassy for her visa interview.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Philip Boateng Kessie avatar

Philip Boateng Kessie (Head of Human Interest Desk) Philip Boateng Kessie is the Head of the Diaspora Affairs Desk at YEN.com.gh, where he has worked since 2022. He has over eight years of journalism experience and holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the University of Cape Coast. Philip previously served as Head of the Human Interest Desk at YEN.com.gh and has also worked as a reporter for Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) and a content writer for Scooper News. He also holds certificates in Advanced Digital Reporting and Fighting Misinformation. Email: philip.kessie@yen.com.gh