United States launches the 'FIFA Pass' to expedite visas for tourists with World Cup tickets

The United States government, led by Donald Trump, announced a new initiative to facilitate visa processing for foreigners traveling to the North American country for the 2026 World Cup. The program, called "FIFA Pass," will allow those who have purchased their tickets through FIFA to access priority interviews for their visas.

The system aims to balance the president's strict immigration policy with the influx of international travelers for the tournament. According to Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, "if you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can get priority appointments for your visa." Infantino met with Trump at the White House, in the Oval Office, to present the mechanism and highlight the importance of the World Cup as a global invitation: "The United States welcomes the world."

Meanwhile, Trump strongly recommended that fans who already have tickets begin their visa procedures as soon as possible. To meet the demand, the government has deployed more than 400 additional consular officials around the world. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, stated that in approximately 80% of countries, applicants can now obtain an appointment within 60 days.

How does the "FIFA Pass" work?

• Fans who purchased tickets through FIFA will use a special portal to prioritize their visa application and interview booking at the State Department.
• The verification process will be the same as for any other applicant, with the only difference being that they will have priority.
• There will be no preferential treatment in security or requirements, only faster access.

With the introduction of this mechanism, the U.S. government is taking an important step to facilitate fans' access to the tournament, while dealing with migratory and political tensions during the preparations for one of the largest sporting events on the planet.