Trump Announces Fast-Track Visa System for 2026 World Cup

President Donald Trump announced on Monday a new fast-track visa appointment system for international fans holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted primarily in the United States, though officials emphasized that the measure does not guarantee entry into the country. The initiative, called the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System or FIFA PASS, was unveiled during a White House event in the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The program allows ticket holders to secure prioritized visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, aiming to facilitate travel for the tournament scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The event will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the U.S. serving as the main venue for 78 matches across 11 host cities. Trump described the World Cup as a centerpiece of his administration's agenda, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary of independence in 2026. "For those who intend to join us for the World Cup, I strongly encourage you to apply right away," Trump said.

Infantino hailed the system as a step toward making the tournament the most inclusive in history. "America welcomes...