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