New Delhi: The United States is preparing for an enormous influx of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and President Donald Trump has now unveiled special visa to ease some of the pressure. On Monday, he introduced a priority visa process for fans who already hold match tickets calling it the “FIFA Pass.” It’s a fast-track system specially designed to speed up visa appointments bit not a shortcut into the country. The tournament is set to be hosted by US, Canada and Mexico.
Trump made an announcement from the Oval office with FIFA president Gianni Infantino by his side. The message was straightforward to apply early. With millions expected to travel for the tournament, the administration wants to avoid chaos at consulates and border entry points. Trump emphasised that the special status was purely logistical and fans still need to clear the usual security checks and the US retains the right to deny entry even if the appointment was fast-tracked.
Infantino backed the move, calling it an important step as preparations build toward a World Cup that could attract anywhere between five to ten million visitors. He also stressed that the goal is to ensure that genuine supporters, the ones who have already purchased tickets can secure timely interview slots rather than being stuck in a backlog.
BREAK! 👀 Ghanaian match ticket holders for #FIFAWorldCup2026 will now get PRIORITY VISA INTERVIEW slots via the new FIFA PASS system to enable them travel to the US to watch #WorldCup2026
President Trump + Gianni Infantino = #BlackStars fans get faster visas. 🇬🇭 ✈️ 🇺🇸 ⚽🔥 pic.twitter.com/WJdwPJKdLv
— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) November 17, 2025
Visa help yes, guarantee entry no
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underlined the main point fans must understand that a ticket is not a visa. The FIFA Pass won’t replace the vetting process that every traveller must complete. What it will do is give ticket holders priority in scheduling their consular interviews likely within six to eight weeks. Rubio said fans should not wait until the last minute and noted that global demand will spike as the tournament draws closer.
The tournament’s backdrop is politically charged. Trump has clashed with several Democratic-run cities that are set to host matches and has even floated the idea of moving certain games if local conditions don’t meet his standards. Even so, his administration is framing the World Cup as a centrepiece of his second term and part of the build-up to America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations in 2026.