Crystal Dike
On Monday, November 17, the Trump administration unveiled FIFA Pass, a new initiative designed to expedite entry for international fans attending next year’s World Cup across North America.
The FIFA Pass program allows travelers who have purchased official FIFA match tickets to access expedited visa interview appointments. The initiative aims to ease entry for millions of expected visitors while maintaining the administration’s strict immigration policies.
President Donald Trump said the effort is the result of extensive coordination between federal agencies. “Secretary Rubio’s team at the State Department has worked tirelessly with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily,” Trump said. He added that while visa processing previously could take up to a year, more than 80% of applicants worldwide now see wait times of 60 days or less, urging fans to apply early.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the initiative, noting that the tournament is expected to attract between 6 and 7 million ticketed attendees and up to 10 million visitors across North America. He said the FIFA Pass will help ensure legitimate fans can travel “in the best conditions.”
Next year’s World Cup, set to be the largest in history, will feature 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The launch of FIFA Pass is expected to play a key role in managing the massive influx of fans and facilitating smooth entry into the host countries.