Share this @internewscast.com
United States President Donald Trump unveiled special fast-track visas for people with tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — but his administration warned it was no guarantee of entry to the US.
Trump said on Tuesday that the US would set up a scheduling system for visa-interview appointments that prioritises foreign fans attending World Cup matches.
Football’s premier tournament will take place from 11 June to 19 July next year, with Mexico and Canada also hosting matches.
The US has promised a seamless experience at the tournament despite concerns that Trump’s border crackdown could hurt fans.

In the Oval Office, Trump shared with reporters that various government departments had collaborated to ensure soccer enthusiasts from across the globe could be thoroughly vetted and easily travel to the United States for next summer’s events.

Donald Trump sitting in his chair in the Oval Office, flanked by a woman in a brown blazer, and three men in navy blazers.

He mentioned that his administration had accelerated visa processing times for most nations, ensuring a smoother process. The administration has reduced the wait time to 60 days or fewer, a notable improvement. Trump projected that the World Cup could potentially bring in US$30 billion (approximately $46 billion) and create around 200,000 jobs.

Gianni Infantino added, “If you possess a World Cup ticket, you qualify for a prioritized visa appointment,” emphasizing that while this offers an expedited appointment, it doesn’t guarantee entry into the U.S. The standard vetting process remains in place.

World Cup ticket ‘not a visa’

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the US state department had added 400 consular officers to process visas, doubling the presence in certain countries.
But he also tempered expectations at the announcement, warning those hoping to come for the tournament that their ticket is “not a visa”.

“It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’re still going to go through the same vetting.”

A man with short black hair, wearing a navy blazer.

Marco Rubio warned a World Cup ticket “doesn’t guarantee admission” to the Untied States. Source: AAP / Sipa USA / Will Oliver

Rubio said ticket holders would get an interview within six to eight weeks under the plan, but urged people to act now.

Fans from 212 countries have bought more than one million tickets for the tournament so far, FIFA has said.
But the giant sporting extravaganza has not escaped the political turmoil caused by Trump’s hardline stance on a host of issues.

Trump has raised the possibility of moving games from certain host cities amid a crackdown on what he says is crime and migration in some Democratic-run cities.

The World Cup draw is due to take place in Washington on 5 December.
FIFA will present a new peace prize on the same day, with widespread speculation that it could go to Trump.
In a statement, FIFA said ticket holders would receive more information about the priority visa appointment system in early 2026.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Breaking News: Iran Responds to Australia’s Oil Supply Challenges

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed his country’s willingness…
Rimoni Muliaga, his wife Lise and their children in happier days

Tragic Turn: Father of Five Commits Shocking Crime in Brother’s Backyard Shortly After Moving to Australia

A tragic case of jealousy turned fatal when a Samoan father-of-five brutally…

UN Expert Francesca Albanese Accuses Global Community of Enabling Israeli Human Rights Violations Against Palestinians

The international community has effectively granted Israel the leeway to inflict harm…
The Commonwealth Bank logo outside a branch.

Commonwealth Bank Implements Second Home Loan Rate Increase This Month

Commonwealth Bank has raised its home loan rates for the second time…

Central Land Council Calls for More Aid to Remote Communities Amid Rising Fuel and Living Expenses

Remote communities, often home to some of the country’s most economically disadvantaged…

Aussies Urge End to Inefficient Appointments as Fuel Costs Soar

In Brief Petrol price surges are worsening the cost-of-living crisis already being…

Australian Housing Goals Impacted by Middle East Conflict, Nationwide Delays Reported

In Brief Australia’s target to produce 1.2 million homes by June 2029…
Squirrels have started 'vaping' after mistaking the fruity smells for food, experts have warned

Experts Warn: Squirrels Mistake Fruity Vape Scents for Food, Raising Concerns

In a surprising twist of nature and modern technology, squirrels have reportedly…

New Legislation Shields Truck Drivers from Fuel Price Surges: A Government Initiative

In brief Fuel prices have risen sharply amid the war in the…
Shoppers sit down for a rest in Pitt St Mall in the Sydney CBD.

Australian Inflation Sees Mild Relief, Yet Experts Warn of Looming Price Surge

Inflation has eased for the first time since November, but Australians could…
Mel Schilling

MAFS Expert Mel Schilling Passes Away Following Cancer Battle

In December 2023, Mel received a colon cancer diagnosis, and a mere…

Russia’s Massive Daytime Drone Assault on Ukraine: A Devastating New Chapter in the Conflict

In Brief Russia has launched one of its largest aerial assaults of…