Overview of the FIFA World Cup 2026
US Embassy in Doha Opens FIFA World Cup Visa WindowThe 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first ever co-hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities.
Eleven cities in the USA (including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle), two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver), and three in Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey) will host the games. Because matches are spread across international borders, fans will need to carefully plan their visa requirements for each country they plan to visit.
Geographic distribution of the 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Visa Requirements for the United States
Who Needs a Visa for the USA?
Citizens of the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in advance.
Travelers from all other countries generally require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are typically exempt from visa requirements for tourism purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a US Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2)
- Determine your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program or need for a B-1/B-2 visa on the official U.S. Department of State website.
- Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form and upload a compliant photo.
- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee of USD $185 and schedule an interview appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Prepare supporting documents including:
- Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your planned stay)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee receipt
- Recent passport-style photo
- Proof of strong ties to your home country (employment letter, property documents, family ties, etc.)
- Financial documents showing ability to cover trip expenses
- FIFA World Cup 2026 match tickets and travel itinerary (strongly recommended)
- Attend your visa interview. A consular officer will assess your eligibility and intentions. Biometric data (fingerprints) will be collected.
- If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you. Note: The visa is only an entry document; final admission is decided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.
Special Arrangement: FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS)
For registered FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders, the U.S. Department of State offers the FIFA PASS program, which provides priority interview appointment slots starting in January 2026. This initiative significantly reduces wait times in many countries. Apply through the official process detailed on the U.S. Department of State FIFA World Cup 2026 visa page.
Visa Requirements for Canada
Who Needs a Visa for Canada?
Many nationalities require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (visitor visa) to enter Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including the United States, most European Union countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) require an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) when arriving by air.
U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are exempt from both visa and eTA requirements for short visits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Canadian Visitor Visa
- Use the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) tool to determine whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA.
- Create an IRCC online account and complete the visitor visa application (Form IMM 5257).
- Upload required documents including passport, photos, proof of funds, ties to home country, detailed travel itinerary, and World Cup match tickets (if available).
- Pay the application fee (CAD $100) and biometrics fee (CAD $85) if required.
- Submit your application online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Biometrics collection is usually required for applicants aged 14–79.
- Processing time is typically 14–30 days (check current times on the IRCC website). Track your application status online.
eTA: For eligible nationalities, the eTA costs CAD $7, is usually approved within minutes, and is valid for up to 5 years.
Visa Requirements for Mexico
Who Needs a Visa for Mexico?
Citizens of more than 60 countries—including the United States, Canada, most EU countries, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others—are visa-exempt for tourism stays of up to 180 days.
Additionally, travelers holding a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or a Schengen country can enter Mexico visa-free for tourism purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Mexican Tourist Visa (if required)
- Verify your nationality’s status on the official Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) website.
- If a visa is required, complete the online application form through the Mexican consulate website serving your jurisdiction.
- Gather supporting documents:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Recent passport photo
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Round-trip flight itinerary
- Hotel reservations or invitation letter
- FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets and itinerary (recommended)
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate/embassy and pay the visa fee (approximately USD $40–53).
- Attend the interview. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.
- Upon arrival in Mexico, complete the digital Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist card.
Tips for Traveling Between the Three Host Countries
- Apply for multiple-entry visas whenever possible if you plan to attend matches in more than one country.
- Carry printed copies of all visas, ESTA/eTA approvals, match tickets, hotel bookings, and return/onward travel proof.
- Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and visa denial.
- Monitor official updates from FIFA, the U.S. Department of State, IRCC (Canada), and SRE (Mexico) regularly, as policies may evolve closer to the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a special FIFA World Cup 2026 visa?
No. There is no dedicated World Cup visa. Fans must use standard tourist/visitor visas or electronic authorizations (ESTA, eTA) depending on the country and their nationality.
Can I enter Mexico with a valid U.S. or Canadian visa?
Yes. Holders of a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or a Schengen country are generally exempt from needing a separate Mexican tourist visa.
Do World Cup tickets guarantee visa approval?
No. While match tickets and a clear itinerary strengthen your application, visa approval ultimately depends on meeting all eligibility criteria and demonstrating strong ties to your home country.
How early should I apply for visas?
Apply at least 3–6 months in advance. The U.S. FIFA PASS priority scheduling begins in January 2026. Canadian and Mexican processing times can vary significantly depending on your location.
What happens if my visa is denied?
Review the reason provided (if given), strengthen your application with additional evidence of ties to your home country, and reapply. There is no formal appeal process for most visitor visas.
Are there any health or vaccination requirements for the World Cup?
As of January 2026, no specific COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements are in place for any of the three countries. However, always check the latest entry rules before traveling.
