Trump Announces Fast-Track Visa System for World Cup Fans
President Donald Trump revealed on Monday a new initiative aimed at expediting visa reservations for international soccer fans eager to attend the World Cup next summer.
During a press conference held in the Oval Office, Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlined the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS).
Trump remarked that the State Department, under Secretary Rubio’s guidance, has been diligently collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the arrival of soccer enthusiasts from around the globe next summer. He noted that, historically, visa processing times could stretch up to a year, but current wait times have now dropped to under two months.
“We’re also developing what we’re calling the FIFA Priority Interview Scheduling System,” President Trump stated, explaining that it would allow ticket holders facing long wait times to opt for these prioritized interviews.
Trump further declared, “I’ve instructed my administration to do everything possible to ensure the 2026 World Cup is an unprecedented success.”
Infantino projected that between 5 million and 10 million attendees would travel to the U.S. for this major event, held every four years. “We’re likely to sell between 6 million and 7 million tickets. We’ll have fans from all over the world coming to America for the World Cup,” he added.
Infantino elaborated that the FIFA PASS would help ensure that ticket holders, who are passionate about soccer, can experience the tournament as smoothly as possible, starting from the visa application process to their arrival in the country.
Rubio emphasized that all fans worldwide who are planning to attend the matches should submit their applications promptly, reminding them that ticket ownership alone does not guarantee visa approval. “My advice is simple: if you’ve got tickets, apply as soon as you can. Don’t procrastinate,” he advised.
“Your ticket isn’t a visa. It doesn’t ensure entry into the U.S. but it does allow for faster processing. The only distinction is that we’re moving them up the line,” he added.
