The Trump administration has announced a new fast-track visa system for the millions of fans expected to visit the US during the 2026 World Cup.
Under this system, anyone who already has official World Cup match tickets will be moved to the front of the line for visa interview appointments.
However, the government made one thing very clear: having a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the US.
Priority for FIFA Pass Holders
The White House FIFA task force revealed that the US expects between 5 and 10 million international visitors for the tournament.
To manage this rush, fans who purchase tickets through the official “FIFA Pass” will receive priority scheduling for their visa interviews.
FIFA will handle the ticketing and the prioritisation process to ensure it runs smoothly.
Trump said his administration is committed to making the 2026 World Cup the most successful event yet, noting that ticket sales are already breaking records.
Faster Appointments, Not Guaranteed Approval
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged fans to apply for their visas as early as possible.
He stressed that the fast-track system only helps fans get an earlier appointment.
It does not change security checks or improve chances of approval.
This means some of the one million international ticket holders could still be denied entry even after receiving a faster interview slot.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino added that up to 7 million tickets may eventually be sold, with fans already purchasing tickets from 212 countries and territories.
Efforts to Reduce Visa Delays
To handle the massive demand, the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide.
In some embassies, staffing has doubled.
As a result, interview wait times have fallen from nearly a year in some countries to less than 60 days in most places.
Rubio highlighted Brazil and Argentina as examples where fans used to wait more than a year but can now get appointments within two months.
Trump Warns Host Cities
Trump also issued a warning to certain host cities, saying matches could be moved if he believes they pose security risks.
He specifically mentioned Seattle and Los Angeles, expressing concerns about crime and public safety.
He said the National Guard would be deployed if necessary, emphasising that the safety of fans and FIFA officials is the top priority.
