Priority Visa System for the 2026 World Cup: Trump Announces Faster Visa Access for FIFA Ticket Holders
- Таня В
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The United States is preparing for a massive influx of international visitors as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. To ease the pressure on consulates and help fans plan their travel, President Donald Trump has announced a new priority visa system for the 2026 World Cup — a program designed to streamline access to U.S. visa interview appointments for confirmed ticket holders.
The announcement quickly spread across social media, sparking discussions among fans and travelers preparing for next year’s historic tournament.
What Is the Priority Visa System for the 2026 World Cup?
According to Trump, the U.S. Department of State is launching a fast-track mechanism exclusively for fans who have purchased official FIFA match tickets.
Here’s what it means:
If you have a confirmed World Cup ticket,
You may qualify for earlier visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates.
The goal is to shorten long waiting times and help fans enter the country smoothly without overwhelming consular schedules.
Why the U.S. Is Introducing This Program
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to draw millions of international visitors, making it one of the most ambitious sports events ever hosted in North America.
To handle this unprecedented traffic, the U.S. government — particularly:
the Department of State, and
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) —
has been developing this priority visa system for the 2026 World Cup to speed up fan processing while maintaining all required security checks.
How the Priority Visa System Will Work
Trump stated that the program will officially begin in early 2026.Fans who meet the criteria will be able to request a faster appointment slot.
To qualify, applicants must:
Purchase tickets directly through FIFA;
Provide proof of ticket ownership;
Apply for a standard U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2 or applicable category).
This system will not bypass the visa process — it will simply help fans get an interview date sooner.
Important: Priority Access Does NOT Guarantee a Visa
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that this benefit has limits.
Even with priority access:
A match ticket does not guarantee visa approval.
All applicants must still meet standard eligibility requirements.
Consular officers will continue to evaluate each case individually.
The priority visa system for the 2026 World Cup speeds up scheduling, not the decision-making process.
Government Advice for International Fans
Authorities strongly encourage fans to:
start the visa application process early,
prepare all required documents ahead of time,
avoid waiting until the last minute.
Priority access will help fans receive an interview date faster, but normal background checks and reviews still apply.
What This Means for Travelers Planning to Attend the World Cup
If the program is fully implemented, fans will benefit from:
more predictable travel planning,
shorter wait times for interview dates,
less stress when preparing for their trip to the U.S.,
a clearer pathway to attend matches without delays.
This initiative represents one of the most fan-friendly immigration steps taken by the U.S. ahead of a major sporting event.
The new priority visa system for the 2026 World Cup marks a major development for international fans planning their visit to the United States. While it doesn’t guarantee approval, it provides a faster, more efficient way to secure a visa interview — especially important given the scale of the upcoming tournament.
If you’re planning to attend the FIFA World Cup in 2026, now is the time to get your documents ready and apply early.
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