U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will significantly expedite the processing of travel visas for international visitors planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This proactive measure aims to welcome millions of football enthusiasts from around the globe to the 11 American host cities. The announcement has been met with considerable excitement among fans worldwide, who can now anticipate a much smoother and quicker visa application process after securing their World Cup tickets.
The Washington administration is committed to streamlining the system, including the establishment of a dedicated scheduling platform for visa interview appointments. This new system is designed to provide rapid access for international football supporters who wish to travel to the U.S. for the prestigious tournament. President Trump informed reporters at the White House that the government would ensure an accelerated timeline for visa acquisition, with an expected waiting period of 60 days or less.
Beyond facilitating travel, President Trump highlighted the substantial economic benefits the 2026 World Cup is projected to bring to the United States. He estimated that the event could generate over $30 billion in revenue and create as many as 200,000 jobs for American citizens. Supporting these efforts, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking shortly after President Trump, confirmed that the State Department plans to deploy an additional 400 consular officers to enhance the efficiency of visa processing for fans. Secretary Rubio emphasized the priority being given to these applicants, stating, “The U.S. is offering priority appointments. This means fans can complete their visa interviews and demonstrate they are fully qualified to travel to the U.S.”
Also present at the White House, FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed the sentiment of anticipation, projecting that the 2026 World Cup could draw between 5 to 10 million spectators to the United States alone. According to FIFA, over 1.6 million tickets have already been purchased for the joint-hosted tournament across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with these sales originating from 212 countries worldwide. FIFA has also confirmed that ticket holders will receive detailed information regarding their visa interview process in early 2026.
