The US government has introduced a new fast-track visa system to manage the influx of millions of international visitors expected for the 2026 World Cup. The program gives priority visa-interview appointments to fans who already hold match tickets, though officials emphasized that expedited scheduling does not guarantee entry into the country.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio clarified that all applicants will still undergo full security vetting. He noted that while ticket-holders move to the front of the appointment queue, they must meet the same entry requirements as any other traveler. This means some fans with tickets could still be denied entry despite receiving earlier interview dates.
Demand for the tournament is already significant, with millions of tickets expected to be sold and visitors anticipated from more than 200 countries. To handle the surge, the US has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide, significantly reducing visa wait times in many countries — in some cases from nearly a year to under two months.
President Donald Trump also warned that host cities could lose matches if they are deemed unsafe or uncooperative. He singled out Seattle and indicated he would relocate games if necessary. Trump also said he would be willing to deploy the National Guard to cities like Los Angeles if local authorities fail to address security concerns.
The 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada — will be the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and millions of international spectators.
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