Trump announced that U.S. embassies will give visa appointment priority to travelers holding tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing access for fans amid long wait times. The new system, called the FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), allows ticket-holders to schedule an expedited interview through FIFA, though it does not guarantee a visa.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said the initiative is aimed at helping legitimate fans attend matches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that applicants will undergo standard visa vetting, with the only difference being accelerated scheduling.
The 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted across North America, is expected to attract up to 10 million visitors, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Many fans currently face months-long waits for appointments. In Colombia, U.S. visa interviews are delayed by nearly 11 months, while applicants in Mexico City and Toronto wait around nine and 14 months, respectively. Without expedited appointments, fans risk missing matches entirely.
The announcement has been welcomed by the travel industry. Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, called the move “practical,” noting it improves efficiency without compromising security. “It strengthens U.S. capacity and reduces wait times, helping millions of visitors attend next year’s tournament,” he said.
Visa access for ticket-holders from countries affected by Trump’s travel bans remains uncertain. Iran, whose national team has qualified, is included in the list of restricted nations, though exemptions exist for athletes and coaching staff. The U.S. State Department has yet to clarify whether fans from banned countries will qualify for the PASS system.
Not all travelers need a visa: citizens from countries in the U.S. visa waiver program, including much of Europe, Japan, and Australia, can enter for up to 90 days without one. Previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar allowed ticket-holders to use a fan ID as entry, but the U.S. system will rely on the PASS process.
The policy aims to ensure fans can secure their visas in time for the summer 2026 tournament, allowing supporters to experience matches without delays while maintaining standard security protocols.
