U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have jointly announced the launch of a new initiative known as the “FIFA Pass”, a system designed to speed up the visa appointment process for fans traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA Pass will prioritize World Cup ticket holders for tourist visa appointments, offering them a shorter waiting period compared to standard applicants. According to officials, the system does not change the standard vetting or approval procedures, but it allows football fans planning to attend matches in the U.S. to be scheduled for interviews more quickly.
Authorities emphasized that holding a match ticket does not guarantee U.S. entry, but it ensures access to an expedited appointment slot.
Despite the new measure, both Trump and Infantino urged fans to begin their visa applications early, warning that waiting until the last minute could still result in complications due to expected high demand.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the U.S. set to stage the majority of the matches.
