In brief
In a bid to prepare for the influx of soccer fans, the Trump administration has unveiled the 'FIFA Pass' initiative, which enables ticket holders for the 2026 World Cup to expedite their visa applications. This move aims to streamline the visa interview process while maintaining security protocols. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the deployment of additional consular officers to manage this increased demand for travel into the United States.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is launching a new initiative geared towards international travelers, dubbed 'FIFA Pass', enabling expedited visa appointments for those attending the World Cup in 2026. This new system is aimed at balancing President Trump's tough stance on immigration with the anticipated influx of global visitors for the soccer tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the initiative during a meeting at the Oval Office, confirming that those who have purchased World Cup tickets will receive prioritized appointment scheduling for their visa interviews. 'If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa,' said Infantino, emphasizing that the U.S. is welcoming to international fans.Trump encouraged potential attendees to begin their visa applications immediately, reaffirming the administration's commitment to hosting a successful World Cup. Alongside the expedited process, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that over 400 additional consular officers have been deployed globally to ensure that, in 80% of cases, visa appointments can be secured within 60 days.The FIFA Pass will grant access to a 'FIFA portal', allowing streamlined visa application processing and prioritization of interviews at the State Department. Rubio stated, 'We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is, we’re moving them up in the queue.'Next year, the World Cup will feature 104 games played across multiple venues in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Trump has emphasized the event's importance and recently hinted at the possibility of relocating matches away from cities he deems unsafe, particularly concerning the progressive policies from local leadership, such as in Seattle, one of the U.S. host cities. Infantino noted that safety and security are paramount for a successful tournament, reiterating confidence in America's ability to safeguard visitors.
