Trump Announces Expedited Visas for 2026 World Cup Fans

President Donald Trump announced a new expedited visa appointment system on Monday for international fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to streamline entry into the United States for millions of expected visitors. The initiative, unveiled during a White House meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, targets ticket holders from around the world as the tournament approaches, set to run from June 11 to July 19 across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The system, called the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System or FIFA Pass, allows those with official match tickets to secure visa interview appointments within six to eight weeks, a significant reduction from previous wait times that could exceed a year in some countries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the process does not bypass standard security checks. "Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn't guarantee admission to the U.S.," Rubio said. "It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You're still going to go through the same vetting. The only difference here is we're moving you up in the queue." He noted that in about 80 percent of countries, appointments can now be...