FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and U.S. President, Donald Trump have officially unveiled the “FIFA Pass”, a new initiative aimed at expediting visa processing for international fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The programme is designed to prioritise tourists who have purchased match tickets, offering shorter wait times for visa appointments.
While FIFA and US officials emphasised that the visa application and verification process remained unchanged, holding a ticket does not guarantee entry into the country.
Speaking at the launch, Infantino and Trump urged fans to begin their visa applications early, warning against last-minute submissions that could jeopardise their travel plans.
The initiative is expected to streamline travel for millions of football supporters, easing participation in what will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Officials clarified that while FIFA Pass provides priority access, all applicants must still satisfy standard U.S. visa requirements.
“This programme is intended to reduce delays but does not override normal immigration procedures,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
The initiative reflects a collaborative effort between FIFA and US authorities to facilitate international fan travel, ensuring smoother logistics ahead of one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.
