Trump and Infantino Announce ‘FIFA Pass’ to Fast-Track U.S. Visas for 2026 World Cup Fans

In a major move ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have jointly unveiled a new initiative known as the “FIFA Pass.”

The program is designed to fast-track visa appointments for football fans planning to attend World Cup matches in the United States. With millions expected to travel for the tournament hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the new system aims to ease the notoriously long U.S. visa wait times.

According to the announcement, the FIFA Pass does not change the visa process or verification requirements—applicants will still undergo the same screenings as every other tourist. However, fans who hold valid match tickets will receive priority scheduling, drastically reducing their wait for interviews.

Officials were quick to emphasize that a match ticket is not a guarantee of U.S. entry, but rather a tool to help fans secure a faster appointment.

Despite the new measure, both Trump and Infantino urged supporters to begin their visa applications immediately, warning that waiting until the last minute could still lead to complications.

Opinion: A Smart Move — But Not a Magic Wand

The introduction of the FIFA Pass is a welcome relief for many football fans, especially considering the long-standing complaints about the U.S. visa bottleneck. For a global event like the World Cup—where spontaneity, excitement, and global participation are everything—streamlining the entry process feels both necessary and overdue.

But let’s be honest: while the FIFA Pass provides a fast lane, it doesn’t open any new doors.
It won’t lower visa requirements, it won’t guarantee approvals, and it won’t save anyone who delays their application.

In many ways, it’s a diplomatic handshake between football and politics—an effort to show that the U.S. wants the world to come, cheer, and celebrate. But the real burden still sits on fans to act early, gather their documents, and prepare for the rigorous U.S. immigration process.

Even so, this gesture sends a clear message:
America wants the world to show up for this World Cup — and for once, it’s trying to make that a little easier.