On Tuesday, the Trump administration unveiled a special visa initiative designed for international visitors heading to the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
Dubbed the "FIFA Pass," this program will offer expedited consular interviews for those who purchase official tournament tickets, streamlining their visa application process.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to introduce the system. According to AP, Infantino stated, "If you have a World Cup ticket, you can receive priority appointments to secure your visa."
Addressing Trump, Infantino remarked, "You've said from our first meeting: America welcomes the world."
Priority Pass to Ease Immigration Pressure
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the FIFA Pass aims to expedite procedures in anticipation of the massive influx of travelers expected for the tournament, without altering the usual vetting standards. "We will conduct the same checks as for any other applicant. The difference is that these applicants will move to the front of the line," Rubio explained.
To manage the anticipated surge in applications, the Trump administration claims to have deployed over 400 additional consular officers. Rubio noted that in 80% of countries, visa appointments can now be scheduled in less than 60 days.
The system will operate through a FIFA portal, accessible only to verified ticket holders. From there, they can request priority scheduling for their State Department interview.
Trump encouraged travelers to "apply for visas immediately."
A World Cup Amid Political Tensions
The 2026 tournament, featuring 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is a significant priority for the Trump administration. While maintaining a strict immigration stance, the administration seeks to avoid logistical hurdles during the planet's largest sporting event.
Infantino has been a frequent visitor to the White House in recent months as details of the official World Cup draw, slated for December 5 at the Kennedy Center, are finalized. The center is now managed by allies of the U.S. president.
During the announcement, Trump reiterated his warning that matches may be withdrawn from host cities deemed unsafe. He specifically mentioned Seattle, where the election of progressive activist Katie Wilson as mayor—an advocate of "sanctuary city" status—has sparked tensions with the White House.
"If we see signs of trouble, I would ask Gianni to relocate matches to another city," Trump declared. Infantino avoided confirming such a possibility but emphasized that "security is FIFA's number one priority" and "the world trusts the United States," citing strong ticket sales.
Understanding the FIFA Pass and Its Implications
What is the FIFA Pass?
The FIFA Pass is a special visa initiative allowing expedited consular interviews for international visitors who purchase official World Cup tickets for the 2026 tournament.
How does the FIFA Pass affect visa processing?
The FIFA Pass prioritizes visa interviews for ticket holders, enabling faster processing without changing standard vetting procedures.
Why is the FIFA Pass important for the 2026 World Cup?
The FIFA Pass is crucial for managing the increased traveler volume expected for the World Cup, ensuring that logistical issues do not hinder the event's success.