President Donald Trump announced that US embassies will implement a priority visa appointment system for individuals with tickets to the 2026 World Cup, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Trump announced at the White House on Monday that the FIFA Pass will allow World Cup ticket holders to arrange a prioritized interview with FIFA if they have waited a long time.
Marco Rubio stated that authorities do not automatically grant a tourist visa to ticket holders.
Rubio stated that those with tickets to football matches might get a consulate interview in six to eight weeks.
“Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US,” Rubio said, also at the White House on Monday.
“We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue.”
The 2026 men’s World Cup will be held in North America, with the US, Mexico, and Canada serving as hosts.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, stated that up to 10 million spectators might attend World Cup games in the US, while speaking in the Oval Office with Trump and Rubio.
“With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting from getting their visa,” he said.
Countries whose teams are in the tournament have long visa wait times.
The US State Department reports that Colombians seeking US visas now wait approximately 11 months for their interview.
In Mexico City, the average wait time is nine and a half months; in Toronto, non-Canadian residents wait 14 months.
If current wait times persist, the World Cup will conclude, and the organizers will present the trophy while some fans await visa approvals or denials.
Monday’s announcement received praise from the US Travel Association, a tourism industry group. “The expedited process for FIFA ticket-holders adds needed efficiency without sacrificing security,” its CEO, Geoff Freeman, said in a statement.
“This is the kind of practical action that strengthens security, increases capacity and cuts wait times, putting the U.S. on a stronger footing to welcome millions of visitors next year.”
Whether the new appointment rules apply to ticket holders from banned countries is uncertain. Trump signed an executive order in June, blocking nationals from 12 countries, citing security concerns.
Iran, whose soccer team will compete in the World Cup, is impacted by the ban. The June executive order provides exceptions for athletes and coaches at the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, but it may still ban fans.
Next year, some travelers won’t need a visa to enter the US. Typically, most citizens of countries in the US waiver program can travel visa-free for a maximum of 90 days. The plan encompasses most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, as well as Japan, Australia, and other countries.
During the World Cups in Russia and Qatar, a game ticket offered a fan ID, acting as a visa.