United States President Donald Trump unveiled special fast-track visas for people with tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — but his administration warned it was no guarantee of entry to the US.
Trump said on Tuesday that the US would set up a scheduling system for visa-interview appointments that prioritises foreign fans attending World Cup matches.
Football's premier tournament will take place from 11 June to 19 July next year, with Mexico and Canada also hosting matches.
The US has promised a seamless experience at the tournament despite concerns that Trump's border crackdown could hurt fans.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that government agencies had worked "to ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the US next summer easily".
Donald Trump said his administration had sped up visa processing times for people in most countries. Source: AAP / AP / Evan Vucci
"For those who intend to join us for the World Cup, I strongly encourage you to apply right away," Trump said as he announced the scheme flanked by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
Infantino — who has repeatedly appeared at Trump's side since the Republican's return to the White House in January — said the so-called "FIFA Pass" was a "very important announcement".
"If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have a prioritised appointment to get your visa," Infantino said.
World Cup ticket 'not a visa'
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the US state department had added 400 consular officers to process visas, doubling the presence in certain countries.
But he also tempered expectations at the announcement, warning those hoping to come for the tournament that their ticket is "not a visa".
"It doesn't guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You're still going to go through the same vetting."
Marco Rubio warned a World Cup ticket "doesn't guarantee admission" to the Untied States. Source: AAP / Sipa USA / Will Oliver
Fans from 212 countries have bought more than one million tickets for the tournament so far, FIFA has said.
But the giant sporting extravaganza has not escaped the political turmoil caused by Trump's hardline stance on a host of issues.
Trump has raised the possibility of moving games from certain host cities amid a crackdown on what he says is crime and migration in some Democratic-run cities.
The World Cup draw is due to take place in Washington on 5 December.
FIFA will present a new peace prize on the same day, with widespread speculation that it could go to Trump.
In a statement, FIFA said ticket holders would receive more information about the priority visa appointment system in early 2026.
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