WASHINGTON: The United States will expedite visas for foreign visitors with tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup matches in 11 American cities, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
Washington will set up a scheduling system for visa interview appointments that will prioritize foreign fans attending the World Cup matches, which will take place from June 11 to July 19. Mexico and Canada will also host matches.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that government agencies had been working “to ensure that soccer fans from around the world are properly vetted and can easily come to the U.S. next summer.”
The president said his administration has accelerated visa issuance for people in most countries, with the wait time now at 60 days or less. He said the World Cup could generate $30 billion and create 200,000 jobs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department has added 400 consular officers to process visas, doubling its presence in certain countries.
“The U.S. is offering prioritized appointments so fans can complete their visa interviews and demonstrate eligibility,” Rubio said.
At the White House, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said 5 to 10 million people would come to the US for matches.
To date, more than a million tickets have been purchased by fans from 212 countries, FIFA said.
In a statement, the football governing body said ticket holders would receive more information about the priority visa appointment system in early 2026.
