Trump says World Cup ticket holders will get prioritised visa appointments

US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026, joined by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Carlos Cordeiro. - REUTERS
WASHINGTON: The United States will expedite visas for foreign visitors with tickets to FIFA World Cup matches taking place next year in 11 U.S. cities, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
AI Brief
- Washington will offer priority visa appointments for foreign fans attending World Cup matches in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
- Trump says visa wait times are now under 60 days and predicts the event could generate $30 billion and 200,000 jobs.
- State Department adds 400 consular officers to speed up processing as FIFA expects up to 10 million visitors.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that government agencies had worked "to ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the U.S. next summer easily."
The president said his administration had sped up visa issuance for people in most countries, with the wait time now 60 days or fewer. He said the World Cup could generate $30 billion and create 200,000 jobs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department added 400 consular officers to process visas, doubling the presence in certain countries.
"The U.S. is offering prioritized appointments so fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify," Rubio said.
At the White House, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said 5 million to 10 million people would come to the U.S. for matches.
Over one million tickets have been purchased so far by fans from 212 countries, FIFA said.
In a statement, the football governing body said ticket holders would receive more information about the priority visa appointment system in early 2026.
Must-Watch Video
Stay updated with our news


