Africa-Press – Lesotho. FIFA and the U.S. State Department have unveiled FIFA PASS, a new system that grants World Cup ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa interview appointments.
Presented at the White House in the presence of President Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Kristi Noem, and Gianni Infantino, the program aims to simplify the visa process for millions of fans expected in 2026. Beginning early next year, supporters with purchased tickets will be able to request accelerated visa appointments, while travelers from Visa Waiver countries will continue using ESTA. The announcement reflects a growing partnership between FIFA and U.S. authorities to manage an event of unprecedented global scale.
The 2026 World Cup, spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is projected to break attendance and economic records. With more than six million tickets available and 78 matches in the United States alone, the tournament is expected to generate over $30 billion in output and create 185,000 full-time jobs, according to a joint FIFA–WTO report.
By easing entry procedures—especially for supporters from countries with strained relations with Washington, such as Iran, Mexico, and Colombia—the FIFA PASS aims to ensure a more inclusive, accessible, and secure tournament, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to successfully hosting the biggest World Cup in history.
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