Washington, D.C. – November 25, 2025 – As the world gears up for the largest FIFA World Cup in history, the Trump administration has unveiled a groundbreaking visa initiative designed to welcome millions of soccer enthusiasts to the United States without skimping on national security. Dubbed the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), the program promises priority processing for verified ticket holders, easing what could have been a logistical nightmare for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The announcement came on November 17 during a high-profile White House meeting in the Oval Office, where President Donald Trump sat down with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Flanked by members of the newly formed White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump emphasized the event’s monumental scale: 48 teams, 104 matches across 16 host cities, and an anticipated influx of 5 to 10 million international visitors. “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success,” Trump declared, urging fans worldwide to apply for visas early to sidestep potential delays.
At the heart of FIFA PASS is a user-friendly online portal accessible only to fans who purchase tickets through FIFA’s official channels – a safeguard against fraud and scalping. Once verified, applicants can book priority visa interview slots at U.S. embassies and consulates globally. “If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritised appointments to get your visa,” Infantino enthused, positioning the system as a cornerstone for what he called “the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history.”
To handle the expected surge – projected to generate $30.5 billion in economic impact, including $17.2 billion for the U.S. alone – the State Department has ramped up its resources significantly. Rubio revealed that more than 400 additional consular officers have been deployed to high-demand regions, effectively doubling staffing in key countries. The result? In approximately 80% of the world, fans can now secure an interview slot in under 60 days – a dramatic improvement over the typical three-month-plus wait times in soccer-hotbed areas like Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
While the initiative opens doors wider, it comes with firm reminders that speed doesn’t equate to leniency. “We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference is we’re moving them up in the queue,” Rubio stressed, underscoring the administration’s commitment to robust immigration protocols. Enhanced screenings, including social media reviews and expanded background checks, will remain standard under the Trump administration’s framework, ensuring that national security is never compromised.
Noem echoed this sentiment, highlighting collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security, local authorities, and FIFA to facilitate safe, orderly travel. “We want every American and FIFA fan visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa to enjoy this historic event and travel home safely in a timely manner,” she posted on X following the meeting.
The rollout couldn’t come at a more opportune moment. Ticket sales for the tournament are already in full swing, and the official World Cup draw – a glittering event featuring team allocations and group stage reveals – is slated for December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. With the tournament kicking off on June 11, 2026, fans are advised to act swiftly: Secure your FIFA-verified tickets, register on the PASS portal, and submit visa applications without delay.
This initiative not only promises to boost attendance and economic vibrancy but also signals a proactive U.S. approach to global events under the current administration. As Infantino put it, it’s a “very concrete example” of inclusivity – one that balances the thrill of the beautiful game with the realities of modern border management.
For more details on FIFA PASS and how to apply, visit the official State Department website or FIFA’s World Cup portal. Soccer’s biggest stage is calling – and now, getting there just got a whole lot easier.
This story is developing as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue. Stay tuned for updates on ticket sales, host city highlights, and more.
