World Cup 2026 ticket holders can now book priority visa appointments to travel to the United States following the launch of the new FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA Pass. However, questions remain over whether fans from all qualifying nations will ultimately be allowed entry.

The program, announced in November by US President Donald Trump, became operational on Tuesday. It was introduced partly to address concerns that citizens of certain countries whose teams have qualified might face delays securing visa appointments before the tournament.

According to the US State Department, receiving a FIFA Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants will still be required to undergo comprehensive security screening and vetting before any travel authorization is granted.

Citizens of countries covered by the US Visa Waiver Program, including most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, can travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa and therefore do not need to use the FIFA Pass system. Instead, they must obtain electronic clearance through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

A senior State Department official said the new scheduling system would significantly reduce waiting times, noting that applicants in more than 80 percent of participating countries should be able to secure an appointment within 60 days.

“The appointment allows fans to demonstrate eligibility for a visa and confirm their intent to abide by US laws, including departing after the tournament,” the official said. “The safety of Americans and the integrity of our borders remain our top priorities.”

What about countries under the visa suspension?

Football supporters from nations affected by the recent suspension of immigrant visa processing will still be able to apply for temporary visitor visas for the World Cup.

Washington announced last week that it is halting the issuance of immigrant visas from 75 countries, 15 of which have already qualified for the 2026 tournament, including five-time champions Brazil. Another seven nations from the list remain in contention for qualification.

The State Department clarified that the suspension applies only to the issuance of immigrant visas and does not extend to non-immigrant categories such as visas for tourists, athletes, family members, or accredited media representatives.

The 15 qualified nations under the suspension include Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan.
Countries still competing for qualification include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.

What about countries under the travel ban?

The halt on immigrant visa processing from the 75 countries officially took effect on January 21, following the expansion of the travel ban introduced earlier this month. The order bars nationals from affected states from entering the United States altogether.

Among those impacted are Haiti and Iran, both of which have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and remain under full entry restrictions. Ivory Coast and Senegal, also qualified, are subject to partial restrictions.

The State Department emphasized that a FIFA Pass appointment does not permit individuals who are otherwise ineligible to receive a visa, suggesting fans from those nations are unlikely to attend matches in the US.

However, exceptions to the travel ban remain in place for athletes, coaches, essential support staff, and immediate family members participating in official tournament activities. Spectators are not included in these exceptions and may still apply individually, though their visa eligibility remains subject to denial or entry inadmissibility.

The United States will host 78 of the 104 World Cup matches across 11 cities, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA