2026 World Cup Visa: The Ultimate Guide for International Fans Traveling to the USA, Canada, and Mexico

Why the 2026 World Cup Will Redefine Global Football Travel?

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—offering unprecedented scale, variety, and logistical opportunities for football fans worldwide. This 48-team, 104-match event (June 11 – July 19, 2026) is poised to be the largest FIFA tournament ever, with matches spread across 16 dynamic cities across North America.

Yet, with these opportunities come complex challenges. Fans must navigate three distinct immigration systems, unique visa requirements, and a multi-stage ticketing and accommodation environment. The visa situation is further complicated by new policy shifts, surges in demand, and the lack of a unified “Fan ID” system simplifying border crossings as seen in the recent Qatari tournament. With millions planning their journeys, early preparation is absolutely critical.

This comprehensive guide covers everything a global football traveler must know: from the visa and entry rules for each host country, through application tips and timelines, to detailed advice on attending matches, ticketing, transport, safety, accommodation, and travel logistics.

2026 FIFA World Cup: Tournament Overview

Dates and Key Milestones

• Tournament dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026
• Opening match: June 11, 2026, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
• First matches in Canada and the USA: June 12, Toronto (BMO Field); Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
• Group stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026
• Final: July 19, 2026, MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

Host Cities and Stadiums

The tournament will be held across 16 cities:

Each stadium and city offers unique advantages, from walkable urban centers (Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, Boston) to historic football grounds (Estadio Azteca) and tech-enabled North American hubs (Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles).

Tournament Structure and Teams

• Number of teams: 48, grouped into 12 groups of 4.
• Number of matches: 104 (major increase from previous editions)
• Knockout stages: Expanded, starting with a “Round of 32”
• Distribution of matches: USA hosts the majority (including all games from quarterfinals onward); Canada and Mexico each host 13 matches during the group and early knockout stages.

Global and Cultural Significance

With diverse North American cities as backdrops, the 2026 World Cup will highlight not only top-tier football, but also the continent’s multiculturalism, culinary diversity, urban vibrancy, and spirit of hospitality.

Attending the World Cup: Match Schedules, Tickets, and Grouping

2.1 Key Dates and Match Spread

• Group stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026
• Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026
• Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026
• Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026
• Semifinals: July 14 – July 15, 2026
• Third place match: July 18, Miami
• Final: July 19, New York/New Jersey

More than 5.5 million fans are projected to attend matches, with fan-zones in all host cities.

Official Ticketing Process and Phases

Ticket sales for World Cup 2026 are organized through structured phases:

1. Visa Presale Draw (September 10–19, 2025): First access reserved for Visa cardholders, about 15% of ticket inventory.
2. Early Ticket Draw (October 27–31, 2025): Open to all payment methods.
3. Random Selection Draw (Post–December 5, 2025): After group draws, targeting specific matches.
4. First-Come, First-Served (Spring 2026): Remaining tickets sold until sold out.

Ticket pricing starts at as low as $60 for group matches, rising to over $6,700 for premium final packages due to FIFA’s dynamic pricing approach.

• Purchase limits: Up to 4 tickets per game and up to 40 tickets per person.
• Resale platform: FIFA will operate an official resale platform to help prevent fraud and unauthorized ticket transactions.

Key tips:

• Register for a FIFA ID now and stay engaged through each ticketing phase.
• Consider multiple host cities or follow your team, but be flexible to maximize your chances.
• Be wary of unofficial resellers; purchase only via FIFA’s authorized channels.

For schedules, tickets, and official news, head to the FIFA World Cup 2026 official website.

Match Attendance “Fan Types”: Strategies

Travel guides suggest four main strategies for fans:

• Anchor city: Stay in one city and attend all its matches while enjoying local culture.
• Follow your squad: Travel alongside your favorite nation, potentially across different countries.
• Hub-and-spoke: Base yourself in a major city, taking short trips to nearby fixtures.
• Luxury/Hospitality packages: Opt for all-inclusive travel packages for logistics and premium experiences.

Each method impacts your visa planning, accommodation, and transportation needs.

USA, Canada, and Mexico World Cup Visa Requirements in Depth

One of the core complexities of the 2026 World Cup is that a visa for one host country does not guarantee entry into the others; rules, requirements, wait times, and exemptions vary significantly.

US Visa Requirements for World Cup Attendees

Most fans will need either a B-2 Tourist Visa or an ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA:

Tourist Visa (B-2) – Overview

• B-2 Visitor Visa: Intended for tourism, attending sports events, family or private visits, and medical treatment. Valid for up to six months of stay per entry.
• Application process:
  1. Complete DS-160 form.
  2. Pay the application fee ($185, but higher for some nationalities due to new policy surcharges).
  3. Schedule and attend an in-person visa interview at the nearest US embassy/consulate.
  4. Provide supporting documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), financial proof, evidence of ties to your home country, travel itinerary, and—if available—FIFA ticket confirmation.

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

• Eligibility: Nationals of 42 countries (most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, etc.) can enter for up to 90 days via ESTA, but must apply in advance ($40 fee as of 2025).
• Limitations: ESTA is not available for all countries and does not guarantee entry. Travelers must not have visited certain countries or have criminal records.

Wait Times, Fees, and Policy Changes

• Current fees: B1/B2 visa = $185 + $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” = $435 per applicant (some nationalities pay even more).
• ESTA fee: $40 (as of July 2025, increased from $21).
• Processing delays: For many embassies (India, Nigeria, Colombia, Turkey), waits exceed 300 days; in others, 2–10 weeks. Some buyers report wait times of over 1 year for interviews due to a backlog.
• No ‘Fan Visa’ system: Unlike 2018/2022 tournaments, there is no official World Cup visa; all tourists must follow the standard B-2 or ESTA process.

Travel Bans and Special Restrictions

• Since June 2025, nationals of 12 countries (including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, etc.) are banned from US B1/B2 tourist visas; partial bans affect seven more countries, and 36 others are under review.
• If you are from a banned country, US matches are off-limits; consider Canada or Mexico instead.

B-2 Visa Application Tips

• Apply as soon as possible, even 12–18 months in advance.
• Gather strong evidence of ties to your home country and sufficient funds.
• For interview questions and tips, prepare for inquiries about your trip’s purpose, length of stay, funding, prior travel history, and strong “return home” evidence.
• Bring all supporting documents.

Official Resource: U.S. Visitor Visa Information

Canada Visa Requirements for World Cup Attendees

Canada maintains regular visa and travel rules—no special “Fan ID” or World Cup visa has been announced. All fans must satisfy standard requirements and apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

• Required for citizens of visa-required countries (see if your country is exempt on the official IRCC website).
• Multiple-entry TRV: Strongly advised for fans traveling across the three host nations.
• Application steps:
  1. Check eligibility.
  2. Gather required documents: passport (minimum 6 months validity after stay), financial proof, employment or home ties, travel plan, match tickets or intent letter, photos.
  3. Complete the IMM 5257 form and submit biometrics (CAD $100 application fee + CAD $85 biometrics fee).
  4. Wait for 2–8 weeks for processing but apply at least 6–12 months ahead of planned travel to guarantee processing in the pre-World Cup surge.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

• Needed for visa-exempt nationals arriving by air—a cheaper and faster process ($7), approved in minutes or days.
• Tied to passport; lasts up to five years or until passport expiry.
• Does not apply to those entering by land or sea, where passport and other documentation are required.

Entry Documentation

• For US or Mexico visa holders: each country remains separate (holding a US/Mexico visa does not grant Canadian entry).
• Required at border: Passport, visa or eTA, proof of financial/resources, and occasionally a return ticket, invitation, or proof of accommodation.
• At the border: Border officers may ask about your trip details, intent, and return plan; failure to provide compelling information could result in denial of entry.

Special Tips and Pitfalls

• No “World Cup special visa”: Ignore rumors; use only standard TRV or eTA systems.
• Apply early—Canada expects a surge in applications.
• Visa-exempt travelers must still have eTA if arriving by air; those with criminal records or immigration violations may face denial.
• If following matches across borders, plan for separate US and Mexico visas as well.

Official Resource: Information for fans and travellers — FIFA World Cup 26

Mexico Visa Requirements for World Cup Attendees

Mexico is relatively flexible and offers multiple options for international fans.

Mexico Visitor Visa (FMM Card)

• FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple): Standard tourist paper/online permit for up to 180 days.
• Visa exempt: Citizens of over 65 countries (including US, Canada, much of EU, Japan, South Korea) do not need a separate visitor visa—just an FMM or electronic authorization upon entry.
• Special rule: Those holding a valid multiple-entry US, Canadian, Schengen, UK, or Japanese visa are also visa-exempt for Mexico, provided they enter as tourists or for non-remunerated activities.

Standard Visitor Visa Application

• Other nationalities: Must apply for a Mexican visa at the nearest consulate.
• Application process: Typical documentation includes passport, visa form, proof of funds, travel funding, hotel or host information.

Required Entry Documents

• Passport (valid at least 6 months after arrival).
• FMM card (provided at border/airport).
• For those using a US/Canada/Schengen visa for entry: bring that visa with your passport to the border.

Special Categories

• Temporary Resident Permits: Available for work, media, or longer stays; generally not needed for regular fans.
• Express processing lanes: Will be opened for FIFA-accredited personnel at major points of entry.

Key Tips

• For fans denied US visas (due to new US travel bans), attending matches in Mexico or Canada is an alternative.
• Make sure US/Canada/Schengen visas are valid for multiple entries and cover your entire travel period.
• All travelers must complete the FMM form and keep a copy for departure.

Visa, Requirements and Timeline Comparison Table

The following is a unified, quick access comparison between the three hosts to clarify visa options, documentation, and expected timelines:

* Processing times are highly variable and may change months before the World Cup.
** Fees as of September 2025 based on new U.S. policy.
*** 300+ day wait in some countries, especially for first-time U.S. B-2 visa applicants.

Important: A visa for one country does NOT confer any rights to enter the other hosts. All cross-border fans must plan for separate entry for each host.

Application Processes and Best Practices

For All Three Countries

General strategy:

• Submit your applications 6–12 months in advance of travel. This is especially vital due to backlog/surge projections and stricter vetting ahead of the World Cup.
• Check your nationality’s requirements on official websites of the U.S. State Department, IRCC (Canada), and INM (Mexico).
• Have a valid passport for at least 6–12 months past your intended return date.
• Collect documentation for travel purpose, proof of return, funds, accommodation, and ties to your home country.

Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

• Practice concise, truthful answers for why you’re attending the World Cup and your travel plans.
• Demonstrate strong ties and reasons to return—job, family, property, etc.
• Prepare documentation: ticket confirmations, accommodation bookings, bank statements.
• Dress and present respectfully at the interview, be honest, and do not attempt to embellish or provide misleading details.

Handling Long Lead Times and Processing Delays

• Book visa appointments early, even before tickets or hotels if possible.
• Consider alternative locations for interviews, especially if your local embassy is overburdened (note: applicants from countries like India are increasingly seeking appointments in Singapore or Thailand due to one-year+ waits).
• Document everything and, in the case of US and Canadian visas, prepare for possible biometrics and in-person interviews.
• For banned/restricted nationalities or those facing long delays, securing a Canadian or Mexican visa (if eligible) may offer a more feasible route to attend matches.

Navigating Cross-Border Travel: USA, Canada, Mexico

Traveling Crossing Borders During the Tournament

• Documentation: You will need the correct visa for each country before entry. Keep physical and digital copies of your passports, visas, travel plans, and tickets at all times.
• For rental cars: Renting a vehicle in the US or Canada for travel into Mexico is complex and often restricted; check company policies and consider renting locally after crossing the border into Mexico.
• International Driving Permit: While often not required in the US or Canada for English-language licenses, it’s advised for Mexico.
• FMM for Mexico: All non-nationals must obtain this tourist card, even those exempt from a formal visa.
• Insurance: Medical insurance that covers all three countries is essential; US healthcare costs are particularly high for foreigners.

Domestic Transport

• USA: Cities like NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta have extensive transit (Amtrak, subways, airports). In others (Kansas City, Dallas), public transit is less comprehensive; shuttle buses and park-and-ride to stadiums will be enhanced for the event.
• Canada: Toronto and Vancouver are well-served by rapid transit, with stadiums easily accessible from downtown areas.
• Mexico: Metro (Mexico City), Uber/taxis (Guadalajara, Monterrey), and express buses will be the norm; expect increased services throughout the tournament.
• Between host cities: Short-haul flights, Amtrak, VIA, Greyhound/Megabus, and low-cost airlines (e.g., Volaris, Southwest) are widely available, but book early for better rates.

Accommodation and Booking During the World Cup

Types of Accommodation and Price Guidance

• Expect price surges, especially in NYC, LA, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City; book as soon as possible through reputable sites or official FIFA partners.
• Fan festival areas and neighborhoods (Yaletown Vancouver, Midtown Atlanta, Downtown Toronto) are best for walkability and access.

Booking Tips

• Use only trusted, official platforms; fraudulent “package deals” and fake hotels are common during large global events.
• Group bookings: Coordinate for larger groups to secure multi-room bookings, apartment rentals, or “Follow My Team” hospitality packages.
• Consider nearby secondary cities for better rates and commute into the city for matches.

Health, Safety, and On-the-Ground Regulations

Health Entry Requirements

• As of March 2025, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement for immigrant or tourist visas to the U.S., but travelers are strongly encouraged to carry proof of vaccination for medical and contingency purposes.
• Be up to date on other vaccinations (measles, routine vaccines), and carry prescription medications in original packaging with doctor’s notes as needed.

Safety, Law, and Customs

• North America is generally very safe for travelers, but remains vigilant in urban tourist areas for pickpocketing and scams.
• Each city has unique rules regarding public behavior, prohibited items, and event security (clear bag policies, no weapons, flags/banners must be non-offensive).
• Emergency numbers: 911 (US/Canada), 066 (Mexico).
• Drug laws: Cannabis use is legal in some US/Canadian regions, but remains illegal at the border and federally; do not carry between countries.

Insurance and Healthcare

• All travelers should have robust travel medical insurance covering all three countries with medical evacuation minimums; care can be expensive.

Key Takeaways and Essential Tips for International Fans

• Plan at least 12 months in advance; simultaneous surges in visa and ticket demand are expected.
• You need separate visas for each country; a visa to the US does not grant entry to Canada or Mexico, and vice versa.
• Apply for the US B-2 visa as early as possible; embassy wait times may exceed a year for some nationals, and no fast-track process is currently available.
• Canada’s TRV and ETA offer more predictable processing but expect delays by early 2026; apply by late 2025 at the latest.
• Mexico remains the most flexible. If you have a US/Canada/Schengen visa, you likely do not need a separate visa for Mexico, but check FMM requirements.
• Tickets and accommodation must be booked through official or well-vetted channels; fraudulent sales increase during events.
• Have all documentation, proof of funds, and return plans at hand when entering each host country.
• Cross-border travel between hosts is possible but demands advanced planning for car rental, insurance, rail/flights, and entry documents.
• Prioritize health insurance and event safety guidelines; medical costs and security rules vary but are strictly enforced.
• Stay up to date on the latest developments in entry policies, especially for nationals from countries with heightened security vetting or bans.

Final Word: Embrace the Adventure, Prepare for Complexity

The 2026 World Cup will represent not only the beating heart of international football, but also the largest, most dynamic mass movement of fans ever seen in North American history. The logistics are unprecedented; so is the need for vigilant, early, and informed preparation. Secure your visas, tickets, and accommodations now, and savor not only the beautiful game but the diversity and excitement of three incredible nations welcoming the world.

Apply early. Use only official channels. Plan your cross-border journeys with care, and be ready for the football adventure of a lifetime.