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World Cup 2026: A Warm Welcome, But Don’t Overstay Your Welcome, Say Officials
Washington D.C. – As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a clear message to incoming tourists: enjoy the games, but remember to depart the country in a “timely manner.”
Secretary Noem’s remarks came during a Monday press conference alongside President Trump and the White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, which includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“With Marco’s leadership at the State Department, [we’re] making sure that these people that come in on these tourist visas are coming in thoroughly vetted, just like anyone who would travel here, and they would come and enjoy our country, and then they would go home. And go in a timely manner,” Noem stated from the Oval Office, standing beside President Trump.
She expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, adding, “So we’re excited about that, and we’re excited to partner with you Mr. President, on creating memories for people around the world that will make them not just fall in love with the United States, but also fall in love with the sport of soccer.”
In a significant move to facilitate international attendance, President Trump announced that his administration would grant World Cup ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa interviews for 2026. “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success,” Trump affirmed.
To implement this, the Trump administration will launch the “FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System,” or FIFA PASS. This system will allow individuals who purchase their tickets directly through FIFA to schedule expedited visa interviews at their local U.S. consulates.
However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio tempered expectations, emphasizing that while FIFA PASS guarantees an expedited appointment, it does not assure visa approval. “It guarantees you an expedited appointment.
You’ll still go through the same vetting process as anyone else. The only difference here is that we’re moving you up in line,” Rubio explained.
Rubio also noted that the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers globally to manage the anticipated surge in visa applications, proudly stating, “In about 80% of the world now, you can get an appointment in under 60 days.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded the initiative, reiterating President Trump’s sentiment: “If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa. You said it the very first time we met, Mr. President, America welcomes the world.”
The meeting precedes the 2026 World Cup Draw, scheduled for December 5th at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where the group stage matchups for the qualifying nations will be determined.
The 2026 tournament marks a historic first, featuring 48 teams. While the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will co-host, the majority of games, including the highly anticipated final, will take place on U.S. soil.
The White House Task Force, launched earlier this year by President Trump and comprising members from various federal agencies, is tasked with “facilitat[ing] comprehensive planning, organization, and execution of the largest sporting events in the history of mankind.”