FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks alongside US President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office. (November 17, 2025)
Trump unveils FIFA PASS to expedite visas for 2026 World Cup
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump announced the "FIFA PASS" system to provide expedited, priority visa appointments for international ticket holders attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
- The system aims to address potential travel delays for the millions of anticipated visitors, with the State Department deploying 400+ extra consular officers to process applications under the program.
US President Donald Trump announced the rollout of the FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS on Monday during a meeting in the Oval Office.
It aims to provide priority visa appointments for ticket holders attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump emphasized making the tournament an "unprecedented success" with record-breaking ticket sales.
The FIFA PASS allows World Cup ticket holders to schedule expedited visa interviews at US embassies worldwide, effectively jumping the queue while undergoing the same rigorous vetting as other applicants.
This move addresses potential delays for international fans, with FIFA anticipating 5 to 10 million visitors from around the globe.
Infantino highlighted that the program ensures "legitimate football fans" can attend under optimal conditions, starting with streamlined visa access.
Secretary Rubio detailed the operational enhancements, noting that the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers to key embassies, doubling staff in some countries.
This has reduced visa appointment wait times to within 60 days for about 80% of the world, down from six months or more previously.
He urged fans to apply immediately, stressing that a ticket guarantees priority scheduling but not automatic entry into the US.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, set for June to July, is expected to draw massive global attention, with six billion viewers worldwide and one billion tuning in for the December 5 draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Trump touted the economic benefits, projecting over $30 billion in revenue and nearly 200,000 jobs for American workers and businesses.
This collaboration between the Trump administration and FIFA builds on ongoing preparations, including a White House task force dedicated to the event.
While the program facilitates travel, it maintains strict security protocols to vet all applicants thoroughly.
