Overview
- Argentina’s presidency confirmed Javier Milei will attend the December 5 group draw at Washington’s Kennedy Center following FIFA’s invitation to heads of state.
- Multiple outlets report Milei and President Donald Trump are expected to share the event’s exclusive presidential box, though the seating plan has not been officially detailed.
- At the White House, Trump and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino announced the “FIFA Pass,” which offers priority visa appointment scheduling for ticket holders but does not guarantee visa approval.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said more than 400 additional consular officers have been deployed and that in roughly 80% of countries visa interviews can now be scheduled within about 60 days.
- The visit may also advance a newly announced U.S.–Argentina commercial and investment framework whose specifics are still being defined, as the draw sets 12 groups for the expanded 48‑team tournament that the U.S., Mexico and Canada will co-host; Argentina has already qualified.