US President Donald Trump announced Monday a priority visa-appointment system for ticket holders of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a scheme dubbed “FIFA Pass” and managed by the State Department.
The program, expected to begin in early 2026, aims to accelerate visa procedures and manage the surge of visitors ahead of a tournament that will bring 78 matches to 11 US host cities, co-organized with Mexico and Canada.
Trump said from the Oval Office that he instructed his administration to ensure an “unprecedented success” for the event, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence.
He highlighted expected economic gains of more than 30 billion dollars and nearly 200,000 jobs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said over 400 additional consular officers have been deployed worldwide to handle visa demand, noting that appointment wait times have dropped to under 60 days in most countries. He stressed that a World Cup ticket does not guarantee a visa, only an expedited interview slot.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the United States “will welcome the world,” adding that the FIFA Pass illustrates efforts to make the 2026 tournament inclusive.
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