Visa Prioritization for World Cup Attendees
The United States government has announced that it will prioritize visa appointments for fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup, which is anticipated to draw between five and ten million visitors globally, according to a statement from the White House FIFA task force on Monday.
This international soccer tournament will be hosted in 11 cities across the U.S. Fans who hold tickets will have access to the “FIFA Pass” system. This initiative allows international ticket purchasers to buy through the FIFA portal and receive prioritized appointments with the State Department, ensuring they are seen before other applicants, as stated by the task force.
FIFA, the organization responsible for overseeing the World Cup, supports this new system. President Trump expressed optimism about record ticket sales for these events in the U.S., stating, “You look at the numbers; nobody’s ever seen anything like what we’re experiencing. Early ticket sales are soaring, with much already sold out,” during an event at the White House alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Mr. Infantino praised the introduction of this pass, emphasizing that it ensures legitimate soccer fans can attend the World Cup under optimal conditions, starting with obtaining their visas.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that additional consular offices worldwide would manage these visa appointments. He noted that approximately 80% of applicants can secure an appointment within 60 days—significantly faster than previous wait times of six months or more. He advised anyone holding a ticket to apply promptly rather than waiting until closer to their travel dates.
Rubio clarified that possessing a World Cup ticket does not equate to having a visa; it merely guarantees expedited processing for an appointment while still undergoing standard vetting procedures.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that $600 million in security grants would be allocated to enhance screening and drone technologies across all host cities.
The U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Fans from each of these 16 host cities—including two in Canada and three in Mexico—will have an opportunity to enter a special lottery for complimentary admission to matches along with VIP experiences. A limited number of tickets will be designated for each host city with further details on lottery procedures forthcoming.
