WASHINGTON – The United States will expedite visa processing for foreign visitors attending the FIFA World Cup 2026, President Donald Trump announced on Monday. The move aims to ensure soccer fans from around the globe can enter the country smoothly to watch matches in 11 US cities.
Matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19, with Mexico and Canada also hosting games. Trump said government agencies have worked to ensure fans are properly vetted and can travel to the US next summer with ease.
The White House revealed that visa wait times for most countries have been reduced to 60 days or fewer. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that 400 additional consular officers have been deployed to process visas, doubling the staff in key countries. The US is also introducing a scheduling system for visa interviews that prioritizes World Cup ticket holders.
“The US is offering prioritized appointments so fans can complete their visa interviews efficiently and prove their eligibility,” Rubio said. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at the White House, estimated that five to ten million people would travel to the US for the tournament.
So far, over one million tickets have been purchased by fans from 212 countries. FIFA confirmed that ticket holders would receive additional details about the priority visa system in early 2026.
The US government expects the FIFA World Cup 2026 to generate $30 billion in revenue and create approximately 200,000 jobs across the country. Officials stressed that the expedited visa process is part of broader efforts to welcome international fans while maintaining security standards.
With the tournament fast approaching, authorities in all host cities are coordinating transportation, accommodations, and event management to handle the influx of visitors. The priority visa initiative is seen as a key step to make the experience seamless for millions of fans traveling from abroad.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the largest sporting events in US history, attracting global attention and significant economic activity.
