US Plans AI, Double Shifts to Expedite 2026 World Cup Visas

In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to expedite visa processing by potentially implementing double shifts for consular officers and employing artificial intelligence to speed applications, especially for repeat visa holders. These measures aim to address concerns from travel groups about long visa wait times that could prevent fans from some of the 48 participating countries from attending the tournament. Rubio indicated the consular affairs bureau might be expanded and some embassies could operate 24 hours to meet the surge in demand. The wait times are notably long in certain countries, such as Colombia, where the delay currently exceeds a year. Despite these efforts, U.S. immigration policies under President Trump have heightened fears about travel difficulties, particularly for nationals from countries with strained relations like Iran. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has assured international fans will be welcome, although some U.S. officials have emphasized the need for visitors to leave after the event.