FIFA Hands Trump First 2026 World Cup Final Ticket Amid Tougher US Visa Screening

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the White House on 22 August and presented President Donald Trump with the first ticket to the 2026 World Cup Final—row 1, seat 1, ticket No. 45/47. Trump said he would invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the championship match, which is scheduled for 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium outside New York City. The gesture comes as the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, intensifies preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across 16 North American cities. Washington will stage the group-draw ceremony on 5 December at the Kennedy Center, according to the president. Trump projected the event will funnel more than $30 billion into the U.S. economy, with about six million spectators attending matches and as many as six billion viewers following the tournament worldwide. The administration has set aside $625 million for security and formed a White House task force led by adviser Andrew Giuliani to coordinate logistics and private-sector involvement. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said visa applications from foreign fans will be “thoroughly examined,” noting that entry will be “very easy” for some countries and “more difficult” for others. The tightened screening comes amid broader immigration enforcement actions and has raised questions about access for supporters planning to travel to the World Cup.