US to Expedite Visas for 2026 World Cup Fans, Trump Announces

Expedited Visa Process for World Cup Fans

• ⚽ US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will fast-track visas for foreign visitors holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• 🗓️ The tournament will be hosted across 11 US cities from June 11th to July 19th, 2026, with Canada and Mexico also participating.
• 🛂 Washington will implement a priority system for visa interview appointments, specifically for fans attending the World Cup matches.

Visa Vetting and Security Measures

• 🤝 Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the State Department has added 400 consular officers to process visas, doubling its presence in some countries.
• ⚠️ Rubio cautioned that a ticket does not guarantee admission to the US and that all fans will still undergo the standard vetting process.
• 🔍 The expedited appointment system is designed to move fans up in the queue, ensuring they are properly vetted while facilitating easier entry.

Economic Impact and Fan Travel Estimates

• 💰 Trump projected that the World Cup could generate $30 billion in revenue and create approximately 200,000 jobs.
• ✈️ FIFA President Johnny Infantino anticipates that 5 to 10 million people will travel to the US for the games.
• 🌍 Fans from 212 countries have already purchased over 1 million tickets, with details on the priority visa system to be released in early 2026.