Today's Edition
Washington (dpa)
Fans holding tickets for the 2026 World Cup are to receive priority when scheduling appointments for US visas, officials said on Monday.
US President Donald Trump unveiled the so-called "FIFA Pass" at the White House after a meeting of the World Cup task force.
"If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have a prioritised appointment to get your visa," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, standing next to Trump at the White House.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged fans to apply early.
"Our advice to everybody is, if you have a ticket for any of the games, you need to apply if you haven't done so as soon as possible. Don't wait till the last minute," he said.
"Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn't guarantee admission to the US. It guarantees you an expedited appointment," Rubio said.
The vetting process itself would remain unchanged. "The only difference here is we're moving them up in the queue," he added.
The United States is set to co-host the tournament with Mexico and Canada. The World Cup, which kicks off in June 2026, will be the largest in history with 48 participating teams.
