### Trump Unveils 'FIFA Pass' to Expedite Visa Process for World Cup 2026 Attendees In a significant move to facilitate international travel for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, President Donald Trump announced the launch of the "FIFA Pass" initiative on November 17, 2025. This program aims to expedite visa appointments for foreign visitors holding tickets to the tournament, which will take place across 11 U.S. cities. Trump emphasized the importance of applying for visas promptly, urging fans to act quickly to ensure their participation in the event. However, officials have clarified that while the FIFA Pass allows for prioritized visa appointments, it does not guarantee entry into the United States, as all applicants will still undergo standard vetting processes [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/donald-trump-launches-fifa-pass-promises-faster-visas-for-world-cup-visitor-entry-article-153168318][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/trump-says-world-cup-ticket-holders-will-get-prioritized-visa-appointments-5473171]. ### Structure of the FIFA Pass Initiative and Its Implications 1. **Overview of the FIFA Pass**: - The FIFA Pass is designed to streamline the visa application process for World Cup ticket holders, allowing them to secure expedited appointments for visa interviews [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3701344-streamlining-world-cup-travel-introducing-the-fifa-pass]. 2. **Application Process**: - Ticket holders will be prioritized for visa interviews, with appointments expected to be scheduled within six to eight weeks [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-world-cup-26-visa-pass-b2866986.html]. 3. **Caveats and Warnings**: - Despite the expedited process, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that having a ticket does not guarantee visa approval or entry into the country, as all applicants will still be subject to the same vetting procedures as other visa seekers [https://www.newsweek.com/trump-world-cup-fifa-pass-visa-us-soccer-11061785]. 4. **Political Context**: - The announcement comes amid ongoing political discussions regarding immigration and security, with Trump hinting at the possibility of relocating matches from certain cities due to concerns over crime and migration [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15299841/trump-fifa-world-cup-seattle.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Visa Appointment Timeline**: - Ticket holders can expect to receive visa interview appointments within **6 to 8 weeks** of application [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-world-cup-26-visa-pass-b2866986.html]. - **Projected Attendance**: - FIFA anticipates that **5 to 10 million** fans will travel to the U.S. for the World Cup, highlighting the need for an efficient visa process [https://24newshd.tv/18-Nov-2025/us-unveils-fast-track-visas-world-cup-ticket-holders]. - **Political Implications**: - Trump's administration has faced scrutiny over its immigration policies, which may impact the overall experience for international visitors [https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/17/us-world-cup-visa-tickets]. ### Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the FIFA Pass Announcement 1. **Introduction of the FIFA Pass**: The initiative aims to facilitate faster visa processing for World Cup attendees, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience during the tournament. 2. **Prioritized Appointments**: Ticket holders will benefit from expedited visa interview scheduling, although they must still navigate the standard vetting process. 3. **Political Context and Challenges**: The announcement is set against a backdrop of political tension regarding immigration, with potential implications for the tournament's logistics and fan experience. 4. **Call to Action**: Fans are encouraged to apply for their visas as soon as possible to ensure they can attend the World Cup, which is positioned as a major event in the context of U.S. celebrations for its 250th anniversary [https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/fast-track-visas-for-world-cup-2026-trumps-new-fifa-pass-promises-speed-not-entry-article-153168918].