There’s good news for soccer fans around the world. US President Donald Trump has revealed that they will fast‑track visas for foreign visitors who have tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas.
The matches will take place in 11 US cities from 11 June 11 to 19 July 2026, with Canada and Mexico also hosting some matches.
According to Trump, Washington will set up a scheduling system for visa-interview appointments that prioritises foreign fans attending the World Cup.
Organisers have worked tirelessly with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that soccer fans from all around the world are properly vetted and able to come to the United States next summer easily.
Trump says that the World Cup could bring in $30 billion and create 200 000 jobs.
Between 5 and 10 million people from over 200 countries are expected to travel to the US for the World Cup.
US President Donald Trump says, “Your ticket is not a visa, it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US; it guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’re still going to go through the same vetting. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue; we are moving them up faster.”
Meanwhile, Kosovo have secured a place in the World Cup playoff round, but they face an almost impossible task if they want to qualify directly for the tournament.
They must beat Switzerland by at least a six-goal margin at home on Tuesday to finish top of Group B.
The Swiss currently top the group on 13 points, three ahead of Kosovo, who are in second place on ten points.
If Kosovo do manage to qualify, it would be their first appearance in a World Cup since becoming a member of UEFA and FIFA in 2016.
Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel says, “No, I don’t think we are surprised. I think we know that Kosovo has a very good team. They are fighters as well. I think we know that. I think in Switzerland, it was the first game. We played a really, really good first half. We were very efficient. We made it very difficult for them. And after, I think they recovered really, really well. They had two great wins against Sweden. They had good games against Slovenia. So, I think we know they’re a good team with a good team spirit. And we know what they are, that they have a lot of quality and what they are capable of.”
Meanwhile, more teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
The inaugural 48-team tournament will kick off at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, which will become the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches, with the final set for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
