Your ticket is not a visa- US Secretary of State warns football fans ahead of 2026 World Cup
The U.S. State Department has rolled out a new expedited visa application program for ticket holders of next year’s FIFA World Cup matches, scheduled to take place across the United States.
The move, announced on Monday, November 17, 2025 aims to ease travel concerns among international fans amid growing worries about the country’s strict immigration policies.
The initiative, known as the FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System), was officially introduced by President Donald Trump during an Oval Office ceremony alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The program allows individuals with valid match tickets to secure faster interview appointments for their U.S. visa applications, ensuring smoother entry procedures before the tournament kicks off.
“Our advice to everybody is: if you have a ticket for any of the games, you need to apply as soon as possible,” said US Secretary of State, Maria Rubio. “Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the U.S. It guarantees you an expedited appointment.” Rubio urged fans to begin their applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
The World Cup, expected to attract millions of visitors from across the globe, will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
With the majority of matches to be held on American soil, U.S. authorities are making preparations to accommodate an influx of travelers and ensure efficient immigration processing at airports and embassies.
Officials say the FIFA PASS program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting international sports events and promoting tourism, while maintaining national security standards.
