President Donald Trump has launched a special fast-track visa scheme for fans heading to the 2026 World Cup but the US has made it clear that a match ticket alone won’t guarantee entry.
Announcing the initiative in the Oval Office on Monday alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump said the new “FIFA Pass” would help deliver a smooth experience for millions of visitors expected next year, despite concerns about his tough immigration policies.
“For anyone planning to join us for the World Cup, apply right away,” Trump urged, framing the event as a centrepiece of his second term and America’s 250th independence anniversary celebrations.
Infantino hailed the move as a “very important announcement”, saying ticket holders would be able to secure priority visa appointments. “We’ll have between five and ten million people coming from all over the world, and this ensures legitimate football fans can attend in the best conditions,” he said.
But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern reminder: “Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn’t guarantee admission. It simply guarantees an expedited appointment — vetting remains the same.”
Rubio said applicants could expect interviews within six to eight weeks but warned supporters not to delay. “Don’t wait till the last minute,” he urged.
Despite being positioned as a unifying global event, the World Cup has become entangled in Trump’s domestic political battles. He has repeatedly threatened to shift games from certain host cities, citing crime and migration issues in Democratic-run areas.
The tournament draw will take place in Washington on 5 December, the same day FIFA unveils a new peace prize — with speculation swirling that Trump himself may be the inaugural recipient.
