The FIFA World Cup 2026 is turning out to be the most thrilling and the largest event ever. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and 48 teams will play in 16 cities in the United States, as well as several cities in Canada and Mexico.
Millions of fans worldwide are preparing to watch matches live. The issue of the visa procedure is one of the main problems for most travellers.
General Visa Requirements
To take a closer look at the particular types of visas, first, a general overview of what it takes to travel internationally to the host countries during FIFA 2026:
United States
Most travellers need either:
- ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) no conventional visa, fast online authorization.
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa – people who do not have a chance to receive ESTA.
- Passport: Passport validity requirements vary by country. Many travelers are advised to have at least 6 months validity beyond their stay, but specific rules depend on nationality and destination.
Canada
- Visa-exempt flyers make use of an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
- There are others who need a Canada Visitor Visa.
Mexico
- Entry requirements for Mexico depend on nationality. Some travellers require a visa, while many only need the FMM tourist card for stays under 180 days.
- Certain nationalities must have a visa- official Mexican governmental sources.
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U.S. Visa Basics for FIFA 2026
In case you are planning to watch World Cup Matches in the United States, the following are the major pathways:
- Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
- Accessible to citizens of 42 different countries such as much of Europe, Japan, Australia, South Korea, etc.
- Use the Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
- Applicable in case of 90-day stays and tourism/business.
- ESTA does not hold a visa; however, it can be used to enter without a visa.
Good for: Fans of eligible countries who intend to make a short trip (e.g., 1-2 weeks). Tip: Apply early, whereby it may take up to 72 hours to be approved.
- Tourist and Business Visa (B-1/B-2 Visitor visa)
This type of visa is provided as a tourist or business visa.
What this means
- The B-2 element includes tourism – this will be the one that most fans will need in case they are not eligible to use ESTA.
- The B-1 component is business travel- it is helpful in the case when you need to attend meetings, events or business transactions.
Key features
- Often issued for multiple years (for example, up to 10 years for many nationalities).
- The visits may take up to 6 months.
- It needs a DS-160 application, visa fee and consular interview.
B-1/B-2 Process Steps
- Complete DS-160 online.
- Pay visa application fee (and any integrity fee or surcharge fees – probably increased in 2026).
- Make an appointment and interview at one of the U.S. embassies or consulates in your locality.
- Give additional supporting documents: confirmations of tickets, travel arrangements, evidence of finances, good connection to the home country.
Important:
- A special automatic visa is not the thing that determines which World Cup ticket holders receive. The approval is not guaranteed by a ticket.
- Applications are also expected to fit standard eligibility requirements.
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FIFA Priority Visa Appointments (FIFA PASS)
During major global events, U.S. embassies may introduce limited additional visa appointment slots to manage demand. However, there is no automatic or guaranteed priority visa program for World Cup ticket holders. Applicants must meet standard eligibility requirements.
What this does:
- Rapid visa consultation for those who are to attend the World Cup in terms of tickets.
- Available early in 2026.
Important Notes
- It also shortens the process of interviewing – it does not alter eligibility nor does it guarantee a visa.
- This is particularly useful in countries where the waiting time of interviews may take months.
Visa Types Explained
We can divide the major types of visas and their application instances:
- Tourist Visa (B-2)
Ideal for:
- Tourists whose main aim is to watch games and go on a tour.
Key points
- The majority of non-ESTA travellers (e.g. India, Brazil, China) will require a B-2.
- Leisure and tourism are travelable.
- Make applications early enough – 3-6+ months before travelling.
- Business Visa (B-1)
Ideal for:
- The visitors can be in town on business meetings, conferences, corporate events involving FIFA, travel agents, sponsors or event organisers.
Unlike tourist visas:
- Business activities must be clearly justified.
- It should be done through meetings, negotiation rather than work or employment.
- In many cases, the tourists will use an integrated B-1/B-2 visa which provides flexibility.
(c) ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Best for:
- Participating countries’ fans who come on short stays (less than 90 days).
Benefits
- Fast and usually cheaper.
- There was no face-to-face interview.
- Approval is often quick.
Limitations
- Only for stays under 90 days.
- Not available to everyone.
(d) Event-Specific (Not Fans) Participants.
If you are:
- Players and team staff
- Journalists (I visa)
- Volunteers
- Performers/Technical personnel
You will need other types of visas such as P-1, I, O, and J visas – those are above the frame of simple fan travel yet so important to the participants.
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Canada & Mexico Requirements
FIFA 2026 involves three countries, and due to this, planning plays a key role.
Canada
- eTA for qualified nationalities.
- Visitor visa for others.
- In case of longer stays make sure you learn Canadian entry regulations independently.
Mexico
- FMM tourist card for most nationalities (issued at the border or online).
- Get to know whether you need a visa in your passport or not.
Note: Although you have a U.S. visa, you might need Canadian entry authorisation as well provided there are Canadian matches in your travel itinerary.
Conclusion
Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 is once in a lifetime experience, and with visas, one has to plan. Travelling as a tourist, a business visitor or a fan of matches in various countries that are hosts.
This guide provides you with the clarity that you require in order to prepare the correct application, know the costs and have the best chances of a successful approval.
FAQs
Q1. Do FIFA tickets assure a visa?
No. FIFA tickets may assist in prioritising interviews with FIFA PASS, but are not a guarantee of receiving a visa.
Q2. How early should I apply?
Begin not before 6-12 months prior to June 2026. The visa interviews and processing can be done in months, particularly outside Visa Waiver countries.
Q3. Are visa fees increasing?
Visa fees are subject to change based on U.S. government policy updates.
Q4. What of social media information and security checks?
Additional security and vetting information, such as social media information, could be required when granting entry permissions such as ESTA in some countries.
Q5. Can I use the same visa to enter all three host countries?
Each country has its own rules. So you must apply for separate entry permits for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico based on your specific travel plans.
Q6. How long should my passport be valid for World Cup travel?
Make sure your passport is valid for your entire trip and at least a few months after you return to meet the rules for each country.
Also Read:
Difference Between Australia Tourist Visa and Visitor Visa
