White House bid to speed up visa process for World Cup fans welcomed

Football fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup will gain priority US visa interview appointments ahead of the tournament.

 

The Fifa Pass service gives every supporter who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritised visa interview.

 

In addition, fans from countries participating in the US visa waiver programme, such as the UK, “may be eligible” to apply for visa waiver travel through the Esta system.

 

The White House announcement was hailed as representing "a major milestone” in the build-up to the Fifa World Cup, which is be staged jointly with Canada and Mexico next summer.

 

US Travel Association president and chief executive Geoff Freeman commended President Trump after a meeting of a White House task force on the 2026 World Cup.

 

He said: “We applaud the Trump administration for taking meaningful steps to ensure fans from around the world can be part of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. 

 

“Deploying more than 400 additional consular officers and doubling staff at high-demand embassies and consulates will help speed visa processing - and the expedited process for Fifa ticket-holders adds needed efficiency without sacrificing security. 

 

“This is the kind of practical action that strengthens security, increases capacity and cuts wait times - putting the US on stronger footing to welcome millions of visitors next year.”

 

Fans who are in countries that require visas to enter the US are being urged to apply “with immediate effect”.

 

Further information regarding the Fifa priority appointment scheduling system will be provided to with ticket holders early next year.

 

More than six million tickets will be available for the World Cup to be held across 16 cities in the three host countries - 11 of which are in the US.

 

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said: “The United States is offering prioritized appointments so Fifa World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify. 

 

“The kick-off is coming up, so now is the time to apply. We’re honoured to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history.”

 

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “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 United States is set to welcome fans from around the world on an unprecedented scale, and we are preparing to ensure that football unites the world when the tournament kicks off in North America next June.”