What's happened
On November 17, 2025, the US government announced the FIFA Pass, a new system to expedite visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders. The initiative aims to ease entry for millions of fans attending matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico, despite ongoing border security concerns under President Trump’s administration. The system prioritizes visa interviews but does not guarantee entry.
What's behind the headline?
FIFA Pass: Balancing Security and Accessibility
The introduction of the FIFA Pass reflects a strategic effort by the Trump administration to reconcile its tough immigration stance with the economic and diplomatic benefits of hosting the World Cup. By prioritizing visa appointments for ticket holders, the US aims to streamline fan entry while maintaining rigorous vetting processes. This move acknowledges the tournament's potential to generate $30 billion and create 200,000 jobs, underscoring its national economic significance.
Political Undertones and FIFA's Role
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's close ties with Trump, including public endorsements and shared appearances, suggest a mutual interest in leveraging the World Cup for political capital. The choice of the Kennedy Center for the World Cup draw, where Trump serves as chairman, and the upcoming FIFA Peace Prize—speculated to favor Trump—highlight the intertwining of sport and politics.
Challenges Ahead
Despite expedited appointments, visa approval remains contingent on standard security checks, and ticket possession does not guarantee US entry. The administration's addition of 400 consular officers aims to reduce wait times to 60 days or fewer in most countries, yet logistical hurdles persist. Trump's consideration of relocating matches from certain Democratic-run cities amid crime concerns adds uncertainty.
Outlook
The FIFA Pass will likely improve fan experience but will not fully mitigate political and bureaucratic challenges. The World Cup's success depends on effective coordination between immigration authorities and FIFA, as well as managing the political sensitivities surrounding the event. Fans and stakeholders should prepare for a complex entry process despite the prioritization system.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports President Trump urging fans to apply for visas immediately, emphasizing a "seamless experience" despite border crackdown concerns. SBS highlights Trump's announcement of the FIFA Pass system, quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio who clarified that the pass expedites appointments but does not guarantee entry, and noted the deployment of 400 additional consular officers worldwide. Sky News details the FIFA Pass as a prioritization tool for visa interviews, with Infantino calling it a concrete example of the US welcoming the world. The Independent's Andrew Feinberg provides context on the administration's efforts to ensure proper vetting and ease of access, quoting Rubio's advice to apply early and noting the doubling of consular staff in some countries. Politico and AP News focus on the White House event where Trump, Infantino, and Rubio announced the system, underscoring the economic stakes and the administration's commitment to making the World Cup an "unprecedented success." Meanwhile, The Independent and France 24 explore the political backdrop, including Infantino's close relationship with Trump and the upcoming FIFA Peace Prize, which has sparked speculation about Trump as a potential recipient. These sources collectively illustrate the intersection of sport, politics, and immigration policy shaping the 2026 World Cup preparations.
How we got here
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. With over one million tickets sold globally, the US government faces pressure to facilitate fan travel amid President Trump's strict immigration policies. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump, who chairs the Kennedy Center, the venue for the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025.
Go deeper
- How does the FIFA Pass system work for visa applicants?
- What are the political implications of Trump's involvement with FIFA?
- Will the FIFA Pass guarantee entry to the US for World Cup fans?
Common question
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What is the FIFA Pass and how does it work for the 2026 World Cup?
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be one of the biggest sporting events in North America, many fans are wondering how they can secure their visas and attend matches. The US government has introduced the FIFA Pass, a new system designed to streamline visa appointments for ticket holders. But what exactly is the FIFA Pass, and how will it impact your travel plans? Below, we answer common questions about this new initiative and what travelers need to know before heading to the World Cup.
More on these topics
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Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is a Swiss–Italian football administrator and the current president of FIFA. He was elected President of FIFA during the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Ivana Marie "Ivanka" Trump is an American businesswoman, serving since 2017 as Advisor to the President, her father Donald Trump.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, marketed as FIFA World Cup 26, will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men's soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA.