In an exciting move, US President Donald Trump has announced that holders of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive priority in securing a visa interview with the US Embassy. This new policy, aimed at facilitating travel for football fans, was disclosed during a press conference at the White House on Monday.
According to Trump, the United States will adopt FIFA’s “Priority Appointment Scheduling System” (PASS), allowing World Cup ticket holders to apply for expedited visa interviews through the FIFA platform. This system will allow fans to secure an interview slot within six to eight weeks after applying, which marks a significant reduction in the typical waiting time.
What Does This Mean for World Cup Ticket Holders?
While this does not guarantee a visa for entry into the US, it will certainly help World Cup fans who might otherwise have had to endure a lengthy waiting period. Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, clarified that having a ticket to the World Cup does not automatically grant a visa. “It’s not a guarantee to enter the US,” he explained, “but it does ensure ticket holders will be given priority, moving them up the queue for their interviews.”
This new measure comes in light of the increasingly long wait times for visa interviews in several countries. For example, in Colombia, applicants currently face an 11-month wait for a US visa interview, while in Mexico City, the average wait is around nine months. Toronto-based non-Canadian citizens are looking at a staggering 14-month wait. This backlog could have meant that many fans might not have been able to attend the tournament, but thanks to Trump’s announcement, the process has been significantly expedited.
FIFA’s President Comments on the New Visa Process
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, spoke alongside Trump and Rubio during the White House event, stating that up to 10 million spectators could visit the US to watch matches in 2026. The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, but the US will be home to the majority of the games, with 78 out of the total 104 matches taking place there. Infantino believes the PASS system will ensure that all ticket holders can attend the event smoothly, saying, “Through the FIFA PASS system, we can ensure that those who have purchased tickets will be able to attend the World Cup without facing any unnecessary delays.”
Potential Issues with the New Policy
Despite the benefits, there are some concerns over the potential exclusions under this new system. The US Travel Association’s CEO, Geoff Freeman, praised the initiative, calling it a “smart and effective solution” that enhances efficiency without compromising safety. However, he raised a question regarding countries whose citizens are banned from entering the US. In June 2020, Trump signed an executive order that prohibits citizens from 12 countries from entering the US. One of those nations is Iran, which has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. It remains unclear whether these restrictions will apply to ticket holders from banned countries.
Impact on the 2026 World Cup and International Relations
The 2026 World Cup will be a major event, and millions of football fans from all over the world will be looking to secure their spot in US stadiums. With the new visa policy, those travelling to watch the matches will face far fewer hurdles when applying for their visas. The US government’s efforts to streamline the process are sure to make the World Cup more accessible to a global audience.
However, it remains to be seen how this new priority system will impact countries with ongoing travel bans or strained relations with the US. Regardless, this is a significant move towards ensuring the success of the 2026 World Cup, with the promise of making the visa process for ticket holders quicker and more efficient.
Key Facts at a Glance:
| Country | Current Wait Time for Visa Interview | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 11 months | Longest wait for US visa interviews |
| Mexico City | 9 months | High demand for US visa appointments |
| Toronto (Non-Canadian Citizens) | 14 months | Extremely long wait times for some applicants |
With the US expected to host the majority of matches, it’s clear that ensuring smooth visa processing for fans will be crucial to the event’s success. The new policy marks a positive shift towards accommodating international spectators, despite some potential challenges.