Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes that while the new system expedites visa interviews for ticket holders, it does not guarantee U.S. entry.
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the U.S. government has introduced the “FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System” (FIFA PASS) to expedite visa interview appointments for international ticket holders. However, officials stress that possession of a match ticket does not ensure entry into the U.S.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by FIFA and the US government in Washington on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that ticket holders for the tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, won’t automatically get visas.
“Your ticket is not a visa,” Rubio stated during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House. “Ticket holders will receive priority for visa interviews, but all standard vetting procedures remain in place.”
The FIFA PASS initiative aims to manage the expected influx of international visitors, with projections estimating between 5 to 10 million fans traveling to the U.S. for the tournament. To accommodate this, the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers globally, significantly reducing visa wait times in many countries.
President Donald Trump highlighted the economic significance of the World Cup, anticipating over $30 billion in economic output and the creation of approximately 200,000 jobs. He also mentioned that matches could be relocated from certain host cities, such as Seattle, due to political concerns and public safety issues.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed support for the FIFA PASS program, describing it as a symbol of inclusivity and hospitality. He emphasized that while the system facilitates smoother entry for fans, it does not compromise on security standards.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, with the U.S. hosting the majority of the 104 matches across 11 cities. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.