The Trump administration unveiled the FIFA Prioritized Appointments Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS, on November 17, 2025, to expedite visa interviews for international fans holding tickets to 2026 World Cup matches in the United States. The initiative aims to balance strict immigration policies with the expected influx of millions of visitors for the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the move as a step toward making the event the 'greatest and most inclusive' in history.
In a White House Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump, flanked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, announced the new visa program designed to help fans secure appointments faster without altering vetting requirements.
"If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa," Infantino said, adding, "America welcomes the world." Trump urged travelers to apply "right away," emphasizing the tournament's potential to be "the greatest" with record ticket sales already nearing 2 million.
Rubio detailed the logistics: the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide, reducing wait times in about 80 percent of countries to within 60 days. For ticket holders purchasing through FIFA, a dedicated portal will prioritize interviews starting early 2026, though Rubio stressed, "Your ticket is not a visa" and applicants face the same scrutiny, including social media checks and fees.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will feature 104 matches from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities, with the US hosting 78. Economic projections include $30.5 billion in output and 185,000 jobs. The draw is set for December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Trump also raised security concerns, suggesting games could move from cities like Seattle—citing its new mayor Katie Wilson—and Los Angeles if deemed unsafe, offering federal aid like National Guard deployment. Infantino responded that safety is FIFA's top priority, noting strong ticket sales indicate fan trust. Noem announced $600 million in DHS grants for host cities to enhance screening and security.
