Skip the wait, see the cup: U.S. launches FIFA Pass

The United States is rolling out a fast-track visa system for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders, President Donald Trump announced, promising a smoother entry process for millions of fans expected to attend matches next summer.

Standing in the Oval Office beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump revealed the Fifa Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, better known as the “Fifa pass”, which will allow ticket buyers to secure a “prioritized interview” at U.S. embassies worldwide.

He said his administration is working closely with national security agencies to deliver an efficient yet secure process. The State Department and Homeland Security, Trump noted, were collaborating “tirelessly” to “ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily.”

I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. I think it’s going to be the greatest. And we are setting records on ticket sales.

Infantino, who has become a familiar figure at the White House ahead of the tournament, underscored the enormous scale of the event. FIFA is projecting between 5 and 10 million visitors, he said, as well as billions more watching from home.

“With this Fifa pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket that are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, they can come and attend the World Cup in the best condition, starting from getting their visa and then coming in the country to enjoy,” Infantino said.

He added that 6 billion viewers are expected to tune in globally, with 1 billion watching the December 5 World Cup draw live from the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Following the announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed the scale of the diplomatic buildout underway. The State Department has added “over 400 additional consular officers” around the world to handle World Cup-related visa applications, doubling staff in some posts.

The good news now is about 80 percent of the world you can get an appointment within 60 days. It used to take, you know, half a year or longer.

Still, he urged fans not to assume the process will be automatic. “Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment,” he said. “If you haven't done so as soon as possible, don't wait till the last minute.”

Rubio stressed that despite the faster scheduling, security standards remain unchanged. Ticket holders using the Fifa pass will undergo “the same vetting as anybody else would get.”

“The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” he said. “If you intend to come to the games, you must have a ticket. You need to apply. Apply as soon as possible.”