Trump Unveils 'FIFA Pass' Fast-Track Visa Program for 2026 World Cup Fans

The "FIFA Pass" program, announced by President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, will give World Cup ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa interviews beginning in early 2026.

The new FIFA "Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System" (PASS) allows the Trump administration to expedite the visa process for international soccer fans—while ensuring that the administration's strict immigration policies are followed.

However, having World Cup tickets only means you can schedule your visa interview faster—it does not guarantee visa approval. The same vetting process will apply.

"I have directed my administration to do everything possible to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success," Trump said Monday at the White House, flanked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, and White House World Cup Task Force Director Andrew Giuliani.

"This guarantees you expedited appointment. You'll go through the same vetting process as everyone else. "The only difference here is we're moving you to the front of the line," Rubio said, emphasizing security assurances. "Your ticket is not a visa," he added. "FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and demonstrate that they qualify."

President Trump also said that the games could be relocated due to high crime rates in Democratic-run cities, specifically mentioning Seattle's socialist mayor-elect, Katie Wilson.

Trump said, "If we think there's going to be any sign of trouble, I'll ask [Infantino] to move it to another city."

"Governors have to be practical, mayors have to be practical." "I love Los Angeles. If they need help during this time, I'd like to send the National Guard or whatever is necessary. I want it to be spectacular. I want it to be in Los Angeles. I love the Palace. It's natural for Los Angeles. If we think there's going to be crime, if the governor stops us—maybe he won't build, maybe he'll do very well—but I want him to call San Francisco and ask if I can get some additional help."

"Because if there's even the slightest sign of trouble, we want to be there before it becomes a problem," the president continued. "We want to make it completely safe for all the great people who are going to be there, and I think that's going to happen. If California has any problems, it would be my honor to help them. ... We can be there on 24 hours' notice."

Following Trump's comments, Infantino said that "safety and security are the top priorities for a successful World Cup. Today we see that people have confidence in America, and we're seeing ticket sales break records."