US state secretary promises to address visa issue before 2026 FIFA World Cup

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-05-22 13:38:41 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-24 14:04:38

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The US State Secretary pledges to resolve the visa backlog, in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The US State Secretary, Anthony Blinken, has vowed to tackle the ongoing visa backlog, which has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. In an effort to facilitate the issuance of visas for players, coaches, and fans, Blinken announced that he will increase the number of visas issued per day and streamline the process.

Speaking at a news conference in Mexico City, where the US, Mexico, and Canada, joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup, signed an agreement on how they will administer the tournament, Blinken acknowledged the urgent need to address the issue. He stated, "We recognize that in order to be able to host the world in this tournament, we have to be able to issue visas in a timely manner."

The State Department plans to increase the number of visas issued by at least 1,000 per day across all countries, and for the first time, the department will offer priority visa interview reservations for tourists, athletes, and their families coming to the US for the tournament.

Blinken's pledge to address the visa issue precedes the anticipated surge of World Cup fans and athletes visiting North America in 2026. With increased visa issuance and streamlined processes, the US hopes to ensure a smooth experience for all participants and fans attending the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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