US Says It’s Fast-Tracking Visas for World Cup Ticket Holders

The Trump administration said it’s expediting visa appointments for foreign fans with tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move aimed at smoothing travel for the world’s most watched sporting event even as the White House tightens immigration rules.

The State Department launched the FIFA Priority Appointment Schedule System on Tuesday, giving ticket holders access to prioritized visa interviews ahead of the tournament, according to a senior official at the agency. To handle the surge in demand, the department plans to deploy more than 500 additional staff members at US consulates to process World Cup-related applications.