The United States Government has unveiled a new visa fast-track system to accommodate the massive influx of international fans expected at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

President Donald Trump announced the initiative, officially named the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), during an event at the White House on Monday.

The programme, created in partnership with FIFA, will grant World Cup ticket holders priority access to visa interview appointments at US embassies and consulates worldwide starting early 2026.

Trump said the move underscores his administration?s commitment to ensuring the upcoming tournament, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada, becomes ?an unprecedented success.?

?I?ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success,? he said at the Oval Office, joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and World Cup Task Force director Andrew Giuliani.

While the new system aims to reduce long waiting times for football fans, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that holding a World Cup match ticket does not guarantee visa approval.

?It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You?ll still go through the same vetting process as anyone else. The only difference here is that we?re moving you up in line,? he explained.

Rubio revealed that the State Department has deployed more than 400 additional consular officers to missions around the world in preparation for the increased demand. Countries with large football fanbases, such as Brazil and Argentina, have seen visa wait times shrink from over a year to less than two months.

?In about 80 percent of the world now, you can get an appointment in under 60 days,? he added.

According to FIFA, the fast-track visa service is part of a broader collaboration with the US government?s World Cup Task Force. The 2026 tournament, expanded to 48 teams, is projected to draw six to seven million ticket holders.

The United States will host 78 of the 104 matches, with 11 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, preparing to welcome visitors from around the world.

Infantino praised the new initiative, calling it a significant step toward making the event the most accessible in history.

?America welcomes the world,? he said. ?We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history, and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.? (The Nation)

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