In a significant move for international football fans, former President Donald Trump has revealed a new system to fast-track visa applications for those attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
PASS: A New Era for Fan Travel
The announcement was made at the White House on Monday, where Trump stood alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino to introduce the Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). This initiative is designed specifically for individuals who have purchased tickets for the tournament's matches.
Under the new framework, every fan who secures a match ticket will be given the opportunity to bypass the standard waiting times. They will be eligible for a prioritized visa interview, streamlining their travel preparations for the world's biggest sporting event.
Inclusivity and Scale of the 2026 Tournament
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised the welcoming nature of the initiative, stating, 'America welcomes the World. We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history – and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.'
The scale of the upcoming tournament is immense, with over six million tickets available for games spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Controversy and Future Developments
In a separate and more contentious development, Trump later issued a threat to move World Cup games out of Seattle, hinting at potential logistical and political challenges ahead of the tournament. Further details on this matter are expected to emerge.
This dual announcement, combining fan-friendly visa policies with geopolitical posturing, sets a complex stage for the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, promising both easier access for international supporters and potential controversy over host city arrangements.
