President Donald Trump has unveiled a new initiative aimed at streamlining the visa process for international soccer enthusiasts planning to attend the World Cup matches in the United States next summer.
This announcement was made during a press conference held in the Oval Office, where Trump was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The initiative, known as the FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), is designed to facilitate easier entry for ticket holders by expediting their visa appointments.
According to Breitbart, President Trump emphasized the collaborative efforts between the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that soccer fans from across the globe are thoroughly vetted and can travel to the United States with ease.
"Secretary Rubios team at the State Department has worked tirelessly with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily," Trump stated. He highlighted the significant reduction in visa wait times since his return to office, noting that what once took a year now typically takes two months or less.
The FIFA PASS initiative is set to offer World Cup ticket holders the option to schedule a prioritized interview, significantly reducing their wait times. "Were also creating what were calling the FIFA prioritized appointment scheduling systemand this will allow World Cup ticket holders with long wait times to opt with FIFA for a prioritized interview," Trump explained.
He further expressed his commitment to making the 2026 World Cup an unparalleled success, directing his administration to utilize all available resources to achieve this goal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino provided an optimistic projection of the event's impact, estimating that between five to ten million people will travel to the United States for the World Cup. "We will have between six and seven million tickets sold for the matches. We will have between five and ten million people coming to America from all over the world to enjoy the World Cup," Infantino stated.
He underscored the importance of the FIFA PASS in ensuring that genuine soccer fans can attend the event under optimal conditions, starting with the visa process.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged prospective attendees to apply for their visas promptly, emphasizing that holding a ticket does not equate to automatic entry into the United States. "Our advice to everybody is, if you have a ticket for any of the games, you need to apply, if you havent done so, as soon as possible. Dont wait till the last minute," Rubio advised.
He clarified that while the FIFA PASS guarantees an expedited appointment, the vetting process remains consistent with standard procedures. "Your ticket is not a visa. It doesnt guarantee admission to the U.S. It guarantees you an expedited appointment Were going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get," he added, noting that the primary distinction lies in the prioritization of ticket holders in the visa queue.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to facilitating international travel and promoting the United States as a welcoming host for global events, aligning with conservative values of efficiency and international cooperation. The administration's proactive approach aims to ensure that the 2026 World Cup is not only a sporting success but also a testament to America's ability to host large-scale international gatherings.
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