The United States government has launched a special visa fast-track system to streamline entry for international supporters traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Announced by President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, the initiative gives ticket holders access to prioritized visa interview appointments through a program dubbed “FIFA Pass.”
Under this arrangement, fans who buy their tickets through FIFA are eligible to schedule visa interviews ahead of other applicants. The U.S. State Department has reportedly increased its capacity, adding more than 400 additional consular officers to manage the anticipated surge in applications.
Despite the streamlined scheduling, U.S. officials are clear: holding a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that all visa applicants will still undergo routine vetting and security checks — the only change is that World Cup fans will be moved to the front of the queue. He also urged ticket holders to apply early, warning that they should not assume an appointment or approval will come at the last minute.
FIFA President Infantino expressed optimism, estimating that between 5 to 10 million international fans could come to the U.S. for the tournament. He said FIFA Pass will help “legitimate football fans” attend the World Cup under favorable conditions, starting with faster visa access.
But critics and experts note that while the scheduling is faster, the underlying visa process remains unchanged. Observers also point out that the FIFA Pass system does not override existing U.S. travel restrictions; for example, nationals from certain countries facing travel bans may still face barriers.
In short, the “FIFA Pass” offers speedy interviews, but neither approval nor entry is automatic — fans must still satisfy visa requirements and go through standard checks.
