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Trump Administration Launches ‘FIFA Pass’ to Fast-Track 2026 World Cup Visa Appointments

Source:-  The Economic Times

The Trump administration has announced a new visa-processing program called the FIFA Pass. This is a big step to help with the huge number of people from around the world who are expected to come to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The goal of the program is to let foreign travelers who have bought official match tickets schedule their visa interviews first. This will make it easier and faster for them to get through the U.S. visa system.
The Prioritised Appointments Scheduling System (PASS) is the official name for the program. It is meant to be a practical compromise between the government's strict immigration policies and the logistical needs of hosting the world's biggest sporting event. Officials say the system will help handle a lot of people while keeping strict security measures in place for the 104-match tournament, which is expected to draw millions of fans from all over North America.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the initiative during a meeting in the Oval Office and said it was in line with what the President had said before.

"If you have a ticket to the World Cup, you can get your visa faster." "You said it the first time we met, Mr. President: America welcomes the world," Infantino said.
President Donald Trump told fans who want to come to the US to start the visa process right away.
"I strongly encourage people coming to the US for the World Cup to apply for their visas right away," he said, stressing the government's dedication to making the tournament a success.

The FIFA Pass will work through a special online portal where people with tickets can enter their visa information, get faster processing options, and get earlier interview dates with the U.S. State Department. Officials stress that standard background checks and vetting procedures will stay the same, even though the system makes scheduling faster.

Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, explained the plan, saying that the program is only about efficiency and not about exemptions.
"We're going to check them out the same way we would check out anyone else." He said, "The only difference is that we're moving them up in line.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first one with 48 teams, and Canada, Mexico, and the United States will all host it. As excitement builds around the world for the December 5 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, the administration has been paying more attention to preparations. Infantino and the White House have had several planning meetings.

The FIFA Pass is one of the most important things that has happened so far. It shows that the U.S. government wants to welcome fans while keeping strict immigration rules in place before one of the most exciting sports events in history.

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