US Introduces Fast-Track Visa System for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders
Published 17 November 2025
Highlights
- The US will prioritize visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders, but entry is not guaranteed.
- The Fifa Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System aims to reduce wait times for visa interviews.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that ticket holders will undergo standard vetting procedures.
- The Trump administration has increased consular staff to handle the expected surge in visa applications.
- President Trump suggested relocating matches from cities he considers problematic, citing safety concerns.
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Rewritten Article
US Introduces Fast-Track Visa System for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders
In anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, the Trump administration has announced a new visa system designed to expedite interview appointments for ticket holders. This initiative, unveiled at the White House, aims to accommodate the influx of international visitors expected for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Visa Appointment Priority
The Fifa Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, or Pass, will allow World Cup ticket holders to receive priority for visa interviews. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that holding a ticket does not guarantee entry into the US. "Your ticket is not a visa," Rubio stated. "It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’re still going to go through the same vetting as anybody else."
Managing the Surge
To manage the anticipated surge in visa applications, the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide. This move has significantly reduced wait times, with most countries now seeing appointments scheduled within 60 days, compared to previous waits of up to a year. "In places like Brazil and Argentina, you can now get an appointment in less than two months," Rubio noted.
Safety Concerns and Potential Relocations
President Trump has also raised concerns about the safety of certain host cities, suggesting that matches could be relocated if issues arise. Seattle, in particular, was singled out due to its new democratic socialist mayor. "If we think there’s going to be the sign of any trouble, I would ask Fifa President Gianni Infantino to move that to a different city," Trump said. Additionally, he expressed willingness to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles if necessary.
Global Interest and Ticket Sales
Fifa President Gianni Infantino highlighted the global interest in the tournament, with ticket sales already reaching millions across 212 countries and territories. The US Travel Association praised the expedited visa process, emphasizing its importance for welcoming millions of visitors while maintaining security.
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Scenario Analysis
The introduction of the Fifa Pass system is a strategic move to streamline the visa process for World Cup attendees, potentially boosting tourism and economic activity. However, the emphasis on security and vetting may still pose challenges for some visitors, particularly those from countries with existing travel restrictions. The Trump administration's stance on relocating matches underscores ongoing political tensions and could impact international perceptions of the US as a host nation. As the tournament approaches, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely scrutinized, with potential implications for future international events hosted by the US.
In anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, the Trump administration has announced a new visa system designed to expedite interview appointments for ticket holders. This initiative, unveiled at the White House, aims to accommodate the influx of international visitors expected for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Visa Appointment Priority
The Fifa Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, or Pass, will allow World Cup ticket holders to receive priority for visa interviews. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that holding a ticket does not guarantee entry into the US. "Your ticket is not a visa," Rubio stated. "It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’re still going to go through the same vetting as anybody else."
Managing the Surge
To manage the anticipated surge in visa applications, the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide. This move has significantly reduced wait times, with most countries now seeing appointments scheduled within 60 days, compared to previous waits of up to a year. "In places like Brazil and Argentina, you can now get an appointment in less than two months," Rubio noted.
Safety Concerns and Potential Relocations
President Trump has also raised concerns about the safety of certain host cities, suggesting that matches could be relocated if issues arise. Seattle, in particular, was singled out due to its new democratic socialist mayor. "If we think there’s going to be the sign of any trouble, I would ask Fifa President Gianni Infantino to move that to a different city," Trump said. Additionally, he expressed willingness to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles if necessary.
Global Interest and Ticket Sales
Fifa President Gianni Infantino highlighted the global interest in the tournament, with ticket sales already reaching millions across 212 countries and territories. The US Travel Association praised the expedited visa process, emphasizing its importance for welcoming millions of visitors while maintaining security.
What this might mean
The introduction of the Fifa Pass system is a strategic move to streamline the visa process for World Cup attendees, potentially boosting tourism and economic activity. However, the emphasis on security and vetting may still pose challenges for some visitors, particularly those from countries with existing travel restrictions. The Trump administration's stance on relocating matches underscores ongoing political tensions and could impact international perceptions of the US as a host nation. As the tournament approaches, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely scrutinized, with potential implications for future international events hosted by the US.
