United States president Donald Trump has announced a fast track visa programme for fans who already have tickets for the 2026 World Cup, assuring supporters that the country is preparing to host the tournament smoothly despite concerns about his strict border policies.
Speaking in the Oval Office alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump encouraged prospective visitors to begin their visa applications immediately. He said the new arrangement was designed to ease the process for genuine fans hoping to travel to the United States for the tournament.
Infantino described the initiative, known as the FIFA Pass, as an important step that will help manage the expected surge of World Cup visitors. He explained that ticket holders would receive priority appointments for their visa interviews. With millions of fans expected to travel from around the world, Infantino said the system would help ensure they arrive under the best possible conditions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who joined the announcement, made it clear that the FIFA Pass only speeds up the visa appointment process and does not guarantee entry into the country. He stressed that all applicants would still undergo full security checks. Rubio advised fans to apply as early as possible and not wait until the last moments before the tournament.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted the World Cup as a major part of his second term and an important feature of America’s upcoming 250 year anniversary. However, the global sports event has also been caught in the middle of ongoing political debates, especially as Trump continues to express concerns about crime and migration in some host cities. He has even suggested that some match locations could be reviewed if necessary.
The World Cup draw is scheduled for December five in Washington. On the same day, FIFA will unveil a new peace prize, with speculation swirling about whether Trump could be its first recipient.
