Trump unveils ‘Fifa pass’ to fast-track visas for 2026 World Cup ticket holders
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Monday rolled out a new visa fast-track system for foreign fans heading to the United States for next year’s historic 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump unveiled what he called the Fifa Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, or the “Fifa pass”, a sweeping initiative that allows ticket holders to jump the queue for visa interviews at US embassies worldwide.
The announcement comes as America prepares to host the largest World Cup in history, with matches spread across multiple cities next summer.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the "FIFA Pass," which he says is a "prioritized appointment scheduling system" for World Cup ticket holders to obtain visas, during an event with President Trump on Monday. https://t.co/ZgLmioCLuj pic.twitter.com/WIfjLVKiYQ
— ABC News (@ABC) November 17, 2025
Trump says new system will help vetted fans ‘come easily’ to the US
Trump said the Federal Government was working “tirelessly” to ensure fans could enter the US smoothly while maintaining rigorous security protocols.
“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success,” the president declared. “I think it’s going to be the greatest. And we are setting records on ticket sales.”
He emphasized that Fifa pass holders are not receiving visas, only priority scheduling. “Properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily,” Trump said of the global fans expected to travel.
Gianni Infantino predicts 5-10 million visitors as global viewership soars
Infantino, who has developed a close rapport with Trump throughout preparations for the tournament, said the world is gearing up for a massive international turnout. “Between 5 and 10 million people [are] coming to America from all over the world to enjoy the World Cup,” he said.
“With this Fifa pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket that are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, they can come and attend the World Cup in the best condition,” he added, noting that the draw alone, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center, is expected to draw 1 billion viewers globally.
Infantino said that 6 billion people are expected to watch the tournament worldwide, making it one of the most-viewed events in modern history.
Marco Rubio says 400 new officers deployed as embassies double capacity
After Infantino’s remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the scale of the US State Department’s preparations. “We’ve deployed over 400 additional consular officers,” Rubio said, explaining that some embassies have “effectively doubled” their staffing to handle the surge in World Cup-related visa demand.
Rubio said appointment wait times had dropped drastically. “About 80 percent of the world, you can get an appointment within 60 days. It used to take, you know, half a year or longer.”
However, he warned fans not to confuse priority scheduling with guaranteed entry. “Your ticket is not a visa,” Rubio stressed. “It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment.”
He added that ticket holders would undergo “the same vetting as anybody else.” The only difference, he said, is that they are being “moved up faster” in the interview queue.
Marco Rubio urges fans to act quickly: ‘Apply as soon as possible’
With millions expected to travel for the tournament, Rubio urged fans to complete their visa applications immediately. “If you intend to come to the games, you have to have a ticket. You need to apply. Apply as soon as possible,” he said.
As America braces for the world’s biggest sporting event, the Fifa pass is now set to become a critical tool in managing one of the largest waves of international visitors the nation has ever seen.
