President Donald Trump on Monday announced a special fast-track visa scheme for ticket holders to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, promising a smoother entry process for millions of fans expected to travel to the United States next year — while stressing that the programme does not guarantee admission.
The initiative, dubbed the “FIFA Pass,” was unveiled at the White House during an event attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, as Washington seeks to reassure organisers and supporters that heightened border controls will not derail the tournament experience.
“For those who intend to join us for the World Cup, I strongly encourage you to apply right away,” Trump said in the Oval Office. He has repeatedly cast the 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico — as a showcase event for his second term and part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Infantino hailed the announcement as “very important,” saying the pass would help manage an anticipated influx of fans.
“If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have a prioritised appointment to get your visa,” he 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 fans, can attend in the best conditions.”
Under the scheme, match ticket holders will be able to book expedited visa interviews, moving ahead in already stretched consular queues.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underlined that the programme does not override existing immigration rules.
“Your ticket is not a visa,” Rubio said. “It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment — you’re still going to go through the same vetting.”
Rubio said applicants using the FIFA Pass would typically receive an interview date within six to eight weeks, urging fans to begin the process immediately. “Don’t wait till the last minute,” he warned.
The rollout comes amid ongoing political controversy over Trump’s hardline approach to border security and migration. The president has previously suggested that matches could be moved away from certain host cities he has criticised over crime and immigration policies, injecting political tension into preparations for what is set to be the largest World Cup in history.
The World Cup draw is scheduled to take place in Washington on December 5, where FIFA is also expected to unveil a new peace prize. Speculation is already swirling that Trump himself could be a candidate for the honour, further entwining the tournament with US domestic and international politics.
