Washington, Jan 21 (NationPress) The United States is set to welcome football enthusiasts globally for what is hailed as the “largest and greatest FIFA World Cup in history,” with the Trump Administration unveiling a rapid visa facilitation initiative targeting millions of international football supporters anticipated to visit the country.

Starting January 20, the State Department is introducing the FIFA Priority Appointment Schedule System, referred to as FIFA PASS, a program tailored specifically for World Cup ticket holders in need of US visas, according to a senior official from the State Department.

“In line with the Trump Administration’s dedication to ensuring an unforgettable and successful event,” the official stated, the new system aims to provide legitimate fans with timely visa appointments ahead of the tournament.

Through FIFA PASS, all verified ticket holders will gain access to prioritized visa interview slots before the World Cup commences, facilitating a faster processing route through US consular services.

However, the official emphasized that this program would not compromise US immigration regulations.

“At the visa appointment, applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for the visa and their intention to comply with our laws and depart once the tournament concludes,” the official mentioned, asserting that “America’s safety and the security of our borders will ALWAYS take precedence.”

To bolster a successful FIFA World Cup, the State Department is deploying over 500 additional consular personnel to handle FWC26 visa applications, ensuring that the same stringent security measures apply to all applicants, the official remarked.

These reinforcements will uphold “the same rigorous security standards applied to all applicants,” even as the processing capacity is enhanced, the official noted.

The department has also taken steps to reduce global visa wait times. As per the senior official, over 80 percent of countries now allow applicants to schedule a US visitor visa interview appointment within 60 days, representing a significant improvement from previous backlogs.

Fans eager to attend the tournament and requiring visas are encouraged to apply as early as possible in their country of citizenship or residence. The State Department has directed potential travelers to the dedicated FIFA World Cup 26 visa information portal on its official website.

The official stated that the combination of FIFA PASS, additional staffing, and shorter interview wait times is aimed at ensuring a smooth and secure World Cup experience for attendees, while also guaranteeing that US immigration laws are strictly enforced throughout the process.

The FIFA World Cup is slated to kick off on June 11, with matches held across various host cities. It will mark the organization’s largest event to date, showcasing 48 national teams. Eleven US cities will host 78 matches, including the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

This tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic first as it is shared by three nations. Additionally, it will be the inaugural World Cup to feature an expanded 48-team format, significantly increasing the number of matches and visiting fans.