United States President Donald Trump has announced a special fast-track visa programme for spectators holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, promising a smoother entry process ahead of what is expected to be the largest football tournament in history.
The initiative, unveiled on Monday inside the Oval Office alongside Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, is designed to speed up visa interview appointments for millions of expected visitors.
But while the scheme creates a priority lane for applicants, U.S. officials have stressed that it does not guarantee anyone entry into the country.
“For those who intend to join us for the World Cup, I strongly encourage you to apply right away,” Trump said as he introduced the programme known as the FIFA Pass.
Infantino described the announcement as a major milestone in the United States’ preparations for hosting the expanded 48-team tournament.
“If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have a prioritised appointment to get your visa,” the FIFA president said.
“We’ll have between five and 10 million people coming to America from all over the world to enjoy the World Cup, and with this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, that are legitimate football or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions.”
Despite the new system, U.S. officials have made it clear that tighter national security policies remain fully intact. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that the streamlined process should not be misconstrued as automatic approval.
“Your ticket is not a visa,” Rubio warned. “It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment; you’re still going to go through the same vetting.”
He added that ticket holders would receive an interview date within six to eight weeks under the fast-track plan — but urged fans not to delay.
“Don’t wait till the last minute,” he said.
Trump has cast the upcoming World Cup as a centrepiece of his second term, aligning the global sporting event with next year’s celebrations marking 250 years of U.S. independence. But preparations have unfolded against the backdrop of political tension over his intensified immigration and security measures.
The president has publicly floated the idea of shifting matches away from certain host cities he has criticised over crime and migration.
The World Cup draw is scheduled to take place in Washington on December 5.
