The main announcement made by President Trump concerned a system enabling ticket holders for matches in the USA to obtain their US visa more quickly. The process of obtaining one would be accelerated, particularly with regard to making an appointment at a U.S. embassy. This program is officially known as «FIFA priority appointment scheduling system (FIFA PASS)». From early 2026, the American authorities will be communicating on the priority appointment system.
During a statement at the White House, President Trump said, «I think it's going to be the biggest, and we're breaking records for ticket sales. No one has ever really done that, and neither has FIFA.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said those who hold tickets and apply will be guaranteed a scheduled interview within six to eight weeks. President Trump compared this timeframe to periods prior to his tenure, saying that before he took office, it often took a year to obtain a travel visa, but that thanks to the work of his administration, the wait time for a visa is now 60 days or less for more than 80 % of the world.
Fast-track embassy appointments
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was keen to clarify that speeding up the process does not bypass standard security procedures.
“The U.S. is offering priority slots so FIFA World Cup fans can conduct their pre-visa interviews and show they meet the criteria. Kick-off is just around the corner, so now is the time to apply.”
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
He insisted on the fact that applicants will always have to undergo the same safety check (The only difference is that they «move faster through the queue».
Éligibility U.S. visa
Supporters should check their eligibility for entry policy in the United States, as there are several types of tourist visa.
For citizens of visa waiver countries (Visa Waiver Program), electronic travel authorization ESTA is required. It allows travelers to enter the country for a maximum stay of 90 days. This authorization is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, for multiple entries into the United States.
Fans whose nationality is not eligible for ESTA can apply for a visa at the embassy closest to their place of residence. Tourist visitor visa (B-2 or B1/B2 combined) are two options.
Texas prepares for the spotlight
The 2026 World Cup will be organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico, a first in the tournament's history. In order to limit travel over a vast territory, FIFA has structured the group phase along the following lines regional, while closely coordinating preparations with the 16 host cities involved. The organization is based on a strengthened collaboration between federations, governments, commercial partners and broadcasters, with a major security component entrusted to local authorities.
A total of 6 million tickets will be available for matches in 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
North Texas is getting particularly ready to host the event, as it will host more matches than any other host city, and a semi-final.
We'll know which specific countries will be playing in North Texas when the World Cup draw is made on December 5.
Security financing and economic impact
As the world stage moves «into our backyard», homeland security joins forces with local law enforcement to ensure that all areas are covered.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that more than 600 million in subsidies were distributed to the 11 U.S. host cities. These cities will benefit from a partnership for the use of screening technologies, drone technologies and counter-UAS devices.
From an economic standpoint, the World Cup is expected to generate more than 185,000 jobs.
On the subject of security, President Trump has indicated that he will ask FIFA to move World Cup matches from certain cities if he deems security to be an issue, although he does not believe this will be necessary.
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