- President Trump announces priority visa scheduling for World Cup ticket holders
- Priority applicants may get interview dates in 6–8 weeks instead of months
- US clarifies that a match ticket does not guarantee visa approval
African football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup may soon receive US visa appointments more quickly, following President Donald Trump’s announcement that American embassies will give priority to applicants holding match tickets.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, President Trump introduced the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), which will “enable World Cup ticket holders facing long wait times to request a prioritised interview through FIFA.”
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June and July, will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with most matches taking place in US cities. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that this initiative does not guarantee entry into the country.
“Your ticket is not a visa; it does not assure entry into the US,” Rubio explained. “Applicants will still undergo the same vetting process. The only change is that they will be placed earlier in the queue.”
He added that fans granted priority could receive an interview date within six to eight weeks instead of waiting several months.
Long visa delays affecting global fans
Many African nations—including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa—have been experiencing lengthy delays for US visa appointments, sometimes stretching for months. Some Latin American countries face even worse delays; in Colombia, for instance, the current wait time is about 11 months, according to US State Department figures.
If such delays continue, many fans may not receive a visa decision until long after the tournament is over.
FIFA backs the initiative
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who appeared alongside Trump and Rubio, welcomed the system, saying it will help ensure legitimate football fans can travel with fewer hurdles.
“With this FIFA Pass, we can ensure that true football fans who buy tickets can attend the World Cup under the best conditions, beginning with securing their visa,” Infantino said. He estimated that as many as 10 million visitors might travel to the US for the tournament.
Travel industry reacts positively
The US Travel Association also praised the move, calling it an improvement that boosts efficiency without compromising security.
“This is the kind of practical step that enhances security, expands capacity, and reduces wait times,” said CEO Geoff Freeman.
Unclear impact on countries under the US travel ban
It is still uncertain whether PASS will apply to fans from countries currently subject to US travel restrictions.
President Trump’s June executive order bans nationals from 12 countries—including Iran, whose team has qualified for the tournament. While athletes and officials receive exemptions for major sporting events, ordinary fans may still face limitations.
Visa-free travellers remain unaffected
Citizens of countries in the US Visa Waiver Programme—such as the UK, Japan, Australia, and most of Europe—will remain eligible for visa-free travel for up to 90 days.
Different approach from Russia and Qatar
Unlike the previous World Cups in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022), where a match ticket automatically generated a Fan ID that acted as a visa, the US will not adopt a similar system.
