2026 FIFA World Cup: United States expedites visa process

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the United States is offering a significant gesture to soccer fans around the world: a simplified visa process to ensure that ticket holders can easily cross borders and capture every moment. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the “FIFA Pass” on November 17, 2025, promising to prioritize applicants. The move underscores concerns that America’s strict immigration policies may deter international fans.

The initiative comes at an important milestone for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. With an unprecedented 48 teams and 104 competitions – making it the largest ever World Cup – organizers expect 5 to 10 million people to visit North America. Eleven of the 16 host cities are in the United States, including major centers such as Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Dallas and Miami, which will host the finals. Already, 34 countries have qualified, including powerhouses like France, Brazil, and Argentina, setting the stage for an international event that could surpass the 1994 US hosting in terms of participation and economic impact.

‘FIFA Pass’: Skip the long queues

The “FIFA Priority Scheduling System” enables certified ticket buyers – those who purchased directly through official FIFA channels – to request expedited visa interviews at US embassies and consulates around the world. During the announcement in the Oval Office, Trump, along with Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Security Secretary Christie, called it a “game changer” for dedicated fans. He explained that this would “allow ticket holders to have longer waiting times to request a priority appointment,” urging everyone to “request correctly” to avoid potential disruptions.

Infantino supported this, citing the program’s role in providing “better conditions” for participants. “With this FIFA pass, we can ensure that those who buy tickets – who are true football fans – will be able to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” Ticket sales are expected to reach 6 to 7 million, he said. To handle the anticipated influx, the State Department has deployed more than 400 additional consular agents worldwide, effectively doubling the staff at embassies needed to process applications.

However, the administration was quickly expecting. As Rubio made clear during the briefing, “Your ticket is not a visa.” The program simply puts applicants forward, but they still must complete thorough background checks, interviews, and may still face denial based on standard criteria, such as security risks or past violations. The memo underscores the program’s limitations: It’s a tool to help ease travel within Trump’s broader, tougher stance on immigration, not outright immunity.

Capturing the tension: From sanctions to football diplomacy

The announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of US immigration policies. Since early June 2025, the Trump administration has banned entry from 12 countries — mostly in Africa and the Middle East — and banned seven others, citing national security concerns. While officials have assured that the World Cup teams will be exempt, some issues have already been raised. For example, Senegal’s women’s basketball team had to cancel a U.S. training camp in late June due to visa delays, a clear example of how even a sports exchange can face challenges.

Critics, including migrant advocates, believe the FIFA pass is only a partial solution. With wait times for US tourist visas in high-demand regions such as South Asia and Latin America, the program may strain consular resources in other regions. Trump, never shy about being controversial, also introduced potential issues by threatening to move matches from “problem” host cities. He specifically mentioned Seattle — slated to host six games under its progressive mayor — warning, “If we think there’s going to be a problem, I’ll ask Gianni to move it to another city.” Such statements have been met with resistance from local authorities. Although the final decision on venues rests with FIFA, the move suggests a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. The White House FIFA 2026 Task Force, created by executive order earlier this year, is coordinating infrastructure improvements and tourism initiatives, making the event a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The collaboration is a good example of how sports and diplomacy can work together.

What does this mean for fans and the international game?

For fans planning to see Messi in Miami or Mbappé in Manhattan, FIFA Pass offers a valuable shortcut. Applications will be processed through a special portal, which will link ticket verification with visa appointments, potentially reducing wait times from six months to just a few weeks in some cases. Teams already qualified, such as the host countries and major competitors like the US men’s team, are showing great interest, and a significant amount of interest is expected in Washington, D.C. on December 5.

Economically, the potential benefits are enormous: The tournament could add $5 billion to the U.S. economy, benefiting hotels, airlines and local businesses in host cities from Atlanta to Vancouver. However, success depends on effective execution. If the pass works as intended, it could ease concerns about US isolation and turn soccer stadiums into places for cultural exchange. On the other hand, if it faces problems or delays, it can negatively affect the popularity of the Cup and prevent future large-scale events.

As Trump noted, ticket sales are already breaking records. With global attention focused on the United States, there is an opportunity to succeed in the field and demonstrate that the love of the game can bring people together, even in times of division. So, fans should reserve tickets, visit the portal, and start planning. The tournament starts in just seven months, and the visa process may be a little easier now.