If you’re traveling to North America for the 2026 World Cup, you should be aware of the different entry requirements for each host country. As tournament matches will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, each nation will apply its own entry rules for fans.
There’s no single World Cup visa, and ticket purchases alone don’t grant entry at the border. If you have secured tickets for one or more matches, you must make sure you meet the general entry requirements, so you’re ready to pass through border control hassle-free.
Do I Need a Visa for the 2026 World Cup?
Visa rules for the 2026 World Cup depend on your nationality and which host nation or nations you’ll be travelling to.
In all cases, you’ll need a valid passport, but some travelers can enter Mexico, the U.S., or Canada without a visa and without extra online pre-approval (like ESTA or eTA).
Here’s a quick look at the 2026 World Cup’s host countries' rules on travel that’s visa, eTA, and ESTA free:
No matter the rules in your individual case, the final decision to grant entry to a country is always made by border control agents. Officials may ask about your reason for visiting, including matches you’ll attend, as well as your accommodation or return travel booking.
Important: Even if you don’t require a visa to enter the World Cup host countries, you may need to complete other entry documentation, like the FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple, or Tourist Card) for Mexico.
Mexico Visa Requirements for FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders
Mexico offers visa-free entry to citizens of around 70 countries, provided they meet the usual entry and customs rules.
Travelers who hold a passport from Russia, Turkey, or Ukraine need to use Mexico’s Electronic Authorization System (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE) to apply to visit in advance. Visitors from other countries should apply for an embassy visa.
Other travel documents for Mexico
All visitors crossing into Mexico by land must get an FMM Mexico, also known as the FMM. If you’re arriving by air or sea, this isn’t required.
Mexico’s World Cup host cities are:
- Mexico City
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
If you’re also planning on visiting the region of Quintana Roo, which covers popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, you’ll also need to pay the Visitax. It’s a mandatory tourist levy for all visitors.
If I want to stay longer in Mexico after the FIFA World Cup 2026, what do I need?
How long you can stay in Mexico depends on your entry status. If you need a visa, it will state the permitted length of stay and what activities you’re allowed to do during your visit.
If you enter visa-free, you may be granted up to 180 days, but the exact length of stay is decided at entry by border officials.
If you plan to watch matches in Mexico and then extend your trip, whether for tourism or remote work, check the rules that apply to your nationality and make sure your plans match the conditions of your permitted stay.
U.S. Visa Requirements for FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders
Almost all travelers need an ESTA (visa-waiver) or a traditional visa to enter the United States.
Around 40 countries qualify for the United States Visa Waiver Program, including all EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This allows you to apply online for an ESTA, which grants visits of up to 90 days.
If you’re not eligible for visa-free entry or the Visa Waiver Program, you need a U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2) for the United States.
FIFA PASS
Some countries have long wait times for mandatory visa interviews. For 2026, the U.S. has introduced FIFA PASS, a priority appointment scheduling system for travelers who need a visa interview (B1/B2) to travel for World Cup matches in the United States.
Here are the key details:
- FIFA PASS is for visa interview appointments, not for match entry.
- It’s aimed at ticket holders who bought directly from FIFA and opted in to request an interview appointment before the tournament starts.
- Using FIFA PASS does not guarantee your visa will be approved.
If you need a B1/B2 visitor visa, and you’re worried about securing a visa appointment in time for the World Cup, the FIFA PASS system can help.
Note: The ESTA process doesn’t involve a visa interview and is 100% online, so FIFA PASS isn’t required for Visa Waiver Program countries.
Canada Visa Requirements for FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders
United States citizens and permanent residents can enter Canada for World Cup matches without a visa. Most other travelers need a visa or eTA (electronic travel authorization).
You can apply online for an eTA valid for visits of up to 6 months if you're from one of around 50 eligible countries. This includes all EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The eTA is needed for air travel, but not for entry by land or sea.
All other travelers must get a visa to visit Canada for the World Cup in 2026. However, there are some exemptions.
If you come from one of the countries in the list below, and you’ve had a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, or you currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, you may not need a visa. Instead, you can apply for an eTA for air travel with your passport from:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Panama
- Philippines
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
If this applies to you, but you wish to enter Canada by land or sea (car, bus, train, or boat), you need a Canadian visitor visa instead.
Other entry rules for Canada
Travelers entering Canada must also make a customs and immigration declaration in advance or on arrival. As when crossing any international border, you might also be asked questions about how long you’ll stay in Canada, and how you plan to leave.
Do I Need a FIFA PASS To Travel to the World Cup?
The FIFA PASS isn’t mandatory for international fans visiting North America for the World Cup. It’s an opt-in system that helps speed up wait times for U.S. visa appointments.
It’s only available to fans applying for B1/B2 visas, who need to complete a visa interview in person before getting approval to visit the U.S. To be eligible, you must have opted in when buying tickets directly from FIFA.
If you already hold a valid visa for your trip to the United States, you’re exempt from U.S. visa rules, or you’re traveling with an ESTA, you don’t need to register for the FIFA PASS.
It’s not related to entry processes or World Cup games in Mexico or Canada — it only applies to visa applications for the United States.
Tips for Preparing To Travel for the 2026 World Cup
If you’re traveling internationally to attend matches or just to soak up the World Cup atmosphere, it’s best to separate your planning into two tracks:
Entering the country for 2026 World Cup
- Check the entry rules for each host country you’ll visit based on your nationality
- Make sure your passport meets the validity requirements for the full trip
- Apply for any visas or travel permits you need in plenty of time
- Fill out any extra documents for your destination, like the FMM or a customs form
- Prepare evidence of your return travel plans and accommodation for border control
Organizing your stay and match days
- Confirm your match tickets and keep them accessible
- Double-check the stadium’s location, arrival time, and ID rules for match day
- Plan your flights or transport around your matches and other plans
- Book accommodation in the right area for the matches you will attend
- Look up additional World Cup events, like match screenings, at your destination
