U.S. authorities have stated that fans with tickets for the 2026 World Cup will be given priority in scheduling visa interview appointments. U.S. President Donald Trump announced what is known as the "FIFA waiver" at a World Cup task force meeting at the White House. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, standing alongside Trump at the White House, said: "If you have a World Cup ticket, you will be given priority in scheduling an appointment to obtain a visa." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged fans to apply early, advising: "Our advice to everyone is: if you have a ticket for any match and have not yet applied, you need to do so as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last moment." Rubio added: "Your ticket is not a visa."
