Trump Warns World Cup Cities Amid New White House Visa Plan
In an important event held at the White House, President Trump announced a new visa plan to aid ticket-holders for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans will have access to advanced appointment scheduling for tourist visas at U.S. consulates abroad. However, this announcement was accompanied by warnings regarding the safety of host cities like Seattle and Los Angeles.
FIFA’s Efforts for Seamless Entry
The event featured FIFA President Gianni Infantino and key government officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Their collaboration aims to facilitate easier entry for World Cup attendees as the tournament approaches.
New Visa Appointment System
- The FIFA Pass system offers prioritized appointments for fans with match tickets.
- Interview wait times remain a concern, with some countries facing long delays:
- Bogota, Colombia: 11 months
- Quito, Ecuador: 9.5 months
- Casablanca, Morocco: 6.5 months
While many European nations and others like Japan and South Korea benefit from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, many Latin American countries still require visas. This includes nations such as Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay.
U.S. Government’s Position on Visa Issues
The State Department has previously taken steps to reduce visa wait times, particularly in Argentina and Brazil. A $50 million allocation was made in a bill President Biden signed to improve passport processing.
Concerns Over Host City Safety
During the press conference, President Trump expressed concerns about the safety of tournament venues. He hinted at the possibility of relocating events if situations in cities like Los Angeles do not improve, citing high crime rates.
Trump stated, “If we think there is going to be crime… we want to get in there before a problem occurs.” His remarks reflect the administration’s focus on ensuring a secure environment for the fans and teams.
Reactions from FIFA
Infantino emphasized that safety is paramount for a successful World Cup. He noted the surge in ticket sales, indicating the public’s confidence in the U.S. to host the event securely. Up to two million tickets have been sold already for the tournament, scheduled to start on June 11, 2026.
Future Implications
President Trump also discussed potential military actions in Mexico regarding drug trafficking. He noted significant challenges posed by drug-related violence and indicated that he would consider all options to combat these issues.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching and plans in motion, these developments highlight both the logistical and security challenges facing the event. The cooperation between FIFA and the U.S. government will be crucial in ensuring a successful and secure tournament for all involved.
