WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled special visas for people with tickets to the 2026 World Cup — but his administration warned it was no guarantee of entry to the United States.
The United States has promised a seamless experience for next year’s tournament, despite concerns that Trump’s border crackdown could hurt fans.
“For those who are planning to join us for the World Cup, I strongly encourage you to apply now,” Trump said as he announced the plan in the Oval Office with Gianni Infantino, the boss of world soccer body FIFA.
Infantino – who has appeared repeatedly at Trump’s side since the Republican returned to the White House in January – said the so-called “FIFA Pass” was a “very important announcement”.
“If you have a ticket to the World Cup, you can make a priority appointment to get your visa,” Infantino said.
“We will have five to 10 million people coming to America from all over the world to enjoy the World Cup, and with this FIFA pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate soccer fans or soccer fans, can come and watch the World Cup in the best conditions.”
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning to those hoping to come for the tournament.
“Your ticket is not a visa,” Rubio said in the announcement. “It doesn’t guarantee entry into the US. It guarantees you a fast appointment, but you’ll still go through the same screening.”
Rubio said ticket holders would be interviewed within six to eight weeks under the plan, but urged people to act now.
“Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said.
Trump has made the World Cup a centerpiece of both his second presidency and the 250th anniversary of US independence next year.
But the giant sporting extravaganza has not escaped the political turmoil caused by Trump’s hard-line stance on a range of issues.
Trump has raised the possibility of moving games from some host cities amid what he says is a crackdown on crime and immigration in some Democratic-run cities.
The draw for the World Cup will take place in Washington on December 5.
FIFA will unveil a new peace prize on the same day, with widespread speculation that it could go to Trump.
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