Trump Discusses FIFA Pass for World Cup Visa Priority
President Donald Trump is set to convene another session of the White House Task Force on FIFA, gearing up for the upcoming North American World Cup next year. During this meeting, new plans will be unveiled for ticket holders entering the United States.
The FIFA task force has rolled out a fresh initiative allowing World Cup ticket holders to gain priority visa interview access. Trump was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to introduce what’s being called the FIFA Pass. He noted that the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security are “working tirelessly” to simplify the process for soccer enthusiasts from around the globe to navigate the visa requirements for their visit next summer.
Trump remarked, “I’ve instructed my administration to take every possible measure to ensure the 2026 World Cup is a historic success. I really think it will be the best one yet, and ticket sales are setting records.” Infantino added that FIFA anticipates “between 5 million and 10 million visitors from around the world” for the event.
“This FIFA Pass is designed to facilitate visa acquisition for genuine soccer fans who have bought tickets, allowing them to enjoy the World Cup under the best circumstances,” Infantino explained in the Oval Office.
The president urged ticket holders worldwide to begin applying for U.S. visas “as soon as possible.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that “over 400 additional consular officers” have been dispatched to various embassies to expedite World Cup-related visa processes. He advised everyone, especially ticket holders, to apply promptly. “Your ticket doesn’t function as a visa. It guarantees fast-tracked processing, but not entry itself,” Rubio emphasized.
The World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with an expectation of around 6 billion viewers globally, according to Infantino. He also forecasts that 1 billion people will tune in for the World Cup draw set to take place on December 5th at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
