Gianni infantino, the The President of FIFA, visited the White House this week to announce an initiative with Donald Trump that will give priority to holders of World Cup tickets next year for US visa processing next year for US visa processing. This step is called “DIFA Pass.”
“FIFA Pass is a pre-booking program,” Fontina said in the oval office. “So if you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have a priority appointment to get your visa. Because, you said the first time we met, Mr. President welcomed the world.”
Despite the heavy travel restrictions that the US Government put in place during Trump’s second term, the FIFA Chief estimated that between 5 and 10 million people from around the world are expected to arrive in the country. “At this time FIFA can ensure that those who buy a valid football fan ticket, can arrive at the World Cup in the best condition, starting to get their visa.”
“We’re going to do that the same way anyone else is going to get it,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was also present at the press conference. “The only difference here is that we’re moving them through the line.”
In other words, having a ticket to the World Cup does not guarantee a visa, nor does it reduce the amount to be paid. It simply reduces the waiting time for your interview with an officer. Rubio estimated that FIFA Pass holders can expect to wait six to eight weeks for that to happen.
How does FIFA work?
To access this right, you must first purchase a ticket through official channels to any of the 2026 World Cup matches that will be played in the United States. After that, the user must enter the FIFA Portal, which will show the steps to be followed to proceed with the visa application.
To speed up these processes in the face of the expected increased demand for tourist visas, Rubio noted that the Department of State has sent more than 400 police officers around the world, and said that it is possible to get an appointment within 80 days for 80 percent.
Minutes later, at the same news conference, Trump indicated that he was willing to launch attacks on Mexico and Colombia to stop drug trafficking, and that the option of using troops in Venezuela had not been ruled out.
This story originally appeared on the Español thread and has been translated into Spanish.
