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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.

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