In a significant move to streamline visa processes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, President Donald Trump has unveiled the FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). This initiative, announced at the White House on Monday, aims to expedite visa interviews for foreign nationals holding tickets to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while ticket-holders will not automatically receive visas, they will be prioritized for interviews within six to eight weeks of application. However, Rubio clarified that possessing a ticket does not guarantee entry into the U.S., as all applicants will undergo standard vetting procedures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, present at the announcement, projected that up to 10 million visitors could attend the event, underscoring the importance of efficient visa processing. The announcement comes amid lengthy visa wait times in countries like Colombia (11 months), Mexico City (9.5 months), and Toronto (14 months), which could otherwise hinder fans from attending the tournament. The U.S. Travel Association praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance security while reducing wait times. However, questions remain about the eligibility of ticket-holders from countries affected by Trump’s June executive order, which restricts travel from 12 nations, including Iran, whose team has qualified for the World Cup. While the order exempts athletes and coaching staff, fans from these countries may still face travel bans. The BBC has reached out to the U.S. State Department for further clarification. Notably, citizens of countries under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, including much of Europe, Japan, and Australia, can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. This contrasts with recent World Cups in Russia and Qatar, where tickets served as fan IDs, functioning like visas for entry.