How to Get a Visa for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada

Key Takeaways

• Three countries, three immigration systems. The USA, Canada and Mexico each have separate entry requirements. Fans attending matches in more than one host nation must satisfy each country's rules independently.
• British fans need an ESTA ($40/approximately £32) for the USA, an eTA (CAD $7/approximately £4) for Canada and no visa for Mexico. Both can be applied for online in minutes.
• Non-VWP nationals need a B-1/B-2 US visa, which requires a consular interview. Wait times in high-demand countries can run to months. If you have not started this process, time is very short.
• Presidential Proclamation 10998 restricts US visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. Fans from affected nations should consider attending matches in Canada or Mexico, which have separate and more accessible entry rules.
• Start now. Apply for your ESTA or eTA immediately. Renew your passport if it expires within six months of your planned return date. Confirm the rules for every country you plan to enter.

The 2026 World Cup is spread across three countries with three separate immigration systems. That makes entry planning more complex than any previous tournament. Depending on your nationality, you might breeze through on an electronic travel authorisation for one host nation but need a full consular interview for another. Getting this wrong means being denied boarding or turned away at the border, so it pays to understand the rules well before you book flights.

This guide breaks down the entry requirements for the United States, Canada and Mexico, covers every major document type and flags the complications that could catch fans out. If you have not yet secured your match tickets, World Cup 2026 tickets are available through 1BoxOffice with verified delivery and a 150% money-back guarantee.

Why Visa Planning Matters More Than Ever for World Cup 2026

For the first time, the World Cup is co-hosted across three nations: the USA (11 host cities), Mexico (3 host cities) and Canada (2 host cities). Each country has its own visa regime. Fans following their team through the group stage and beyond may need to satisfy entry requirements for two or even all three countries within the space of a few weeks.

US immigration policy has also tightened significantly since the tournament was awarded. Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed in December 2025, suspended or restricted visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. The ESTA fee rose from $21 (£17) to $40 (£32) in September 2025. Consular interview wait times in some countries exceed 300 days. None of this is insurmountable, but it demands early action.

Entry Requirements for the United States

The USA hosts 78 of the 104 World Cup matches across 11 cities. For most fans, the US entry will be the centrepiece of their trip. It is also the most complex immigration process of the three host nations.

Visa Waiver Programme and ESTA

Citizens of more than 40 countries participate in the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which permits stays of up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. VWP travellers must obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before departure. Airlines will not allow boarding without one. The exact number of participating countries can change; check the full list at travel.state.gov before applying.

ESTA Detail	Current Requirement (2026)
Cost	$40/approximately £32 (increased from $21 in September 2025)
Validity	Two years or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner
Processing time	Usually minutes; allow 72 hours
Maximum stay per visit	90 days
Application method	Online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or the ESTA mobile app
Passport requirement	Must be an e-passport (biometric chip)

VWP countries include the United Kingdom, most (but not all) EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Chile, Brunei and others. Not every EU member state is currently in the programme: Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not included as of early 2026. Every traveller, including children and infants, needs their own individual ESTA linked to their specific passport. If you have renewed your passport since your last ESTA approval, you must apply again.

A common error is assuming ESTA guarantees entry. It does not. ESTA authorises you to travel to a US port of entry, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make the final admission decision. Having confirmed England World Cup tickets or other match tickets, along with a hotel booking and return flight, strengthens your case at the border.

UK Fans: What British Passport Holders Need

British citizens are part of the Visa Waiver Programme. You do not need a full US visa for World Cup travel. You do need an approved ESTA before departure. The process is straightforward: apply online, pay $40 (£32), and most approvals come through within minutes. The US government recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel, though for a trip as significant as the World Cup, applying weeks in advance is sensible.

Your UK passport must be biometric (all UK passports issued since 2010 are). The general US rule is that passports should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure, though the UK has a country-specific agreement that may exempt British citizens from this requirement. To be safe, ensure your passport does not expire during or shortly after your trip, and check the current guidance at travel.state.gov for any updates.

British fans attending matches across multiple host cities can take advantage of the USA's extensive domestic flight network. Budget carriers like Southwest, JetBlue and Frontier connect all 11 host cities affordably, though fares will spike during the tournament window. Book early.

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for Non-VWP Countries

If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Programme, you need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. This is a significant undertaking that involves completing the DS-160 form online, paying the visa fee ($185/approximately £148 as of 2026) and attending a consular interview at a US embassy or consulate. The US State Department has published a dedicated World Cup 2026 visa information page with country-specific guidance for fans.

The application requires a valid passport, a recent photograph, evidence of travel purpose (match tickets and hotel bookings), proof of ties to your home country (employment, property, family) and evidence of sufficient funds. Processing times vary enormously by country. Fans from Brazil, India, Nigeria and other high-demand countries should have started their applications months ago.

The FIFA PASS Priority Appointment System

For fans who purchased tickets directly from FIFA, the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) offers priority scheduling for B-1/B-2 visa interviews. This does not guarantee visa approval; it simply moves your interview forward in the queue. You must opt in through your FIFA.com account, then complete the standard DS-160 application and fee payment. If the information you entered matches your FIFA account, you gain access to a priority appointment slot. Full details on eligibility and the opt-in process are available on the State Department's FIFA PASS FAQ page.

Key limitation: FIFA PASS is only available to fans who bought tickets through the FIFA ticketing portal. It does not apply to tickets purchased through secondary market platforms. Scheduling an appointment through FIFA PASS has no bearing on whether you are approved for a visa.

Presidential Proclamation 10998: The Travel Restrictions

This is the single biggest complication for World Cup 2026 travel. Effective 1 January 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 suspended or restricted US visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. The restrictions come in three tiers.

Full suspension (19 countries): All visa categories suspended, including B-1/B-2 tourist visas. Nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Burkina Faso, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen cannot currently receive US visas. Individuals travelling on Palestinian Authority documents are also affected.

Partial suspension (19 countries): B-1/B-2 tourist visas and student visas (F, M, J) are suspended. This affects nationals of Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Turkmenistan (separate category): Only immigrant visas are suspended. B-1/B-2 tourist visas remain available for Turkmen nationals, following what the White House described as "productive engagement" on identity-management standards.

Athletes, coaches, support staff and their immediate relatives travelling for the World Cup are exempt from the proclamation. The proclamation also allows case-by-case national-interest exceptions at the discretion of the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security. However, the State Department has indicated that such exceptions for ordinary fans would be "quite rare." The full list of affected countries and exception categories is published at travel.state.gov. Four qualified World Cup nations are directly affected by the full or partial suspensions: Haiti, Iran, Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire. Fans from these countries face severe barriers to attending US-based matches unless they hold a valid visa issued before 1 January 2026.

If you are from an affected country, attending matches in Canada or Mexico, where separate visa rules apply, may be your most realistic option. Check the World Cup Final tickets page and other fixture listings to identify which matches are held outside the USA.

Entry Requirements for Canada

Canada hosts World Cup matches in two cities: Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place). Canadian immigration is generally more straightforward than the US system, though some fans will still need a visa.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Citizens of visa-exempt countries flying into Canada need an eTA. This is Canada's equivalent of ESTA, and it is faster and less expensive.

Canada eTA Detail	Current Requirement (2026)
Cost	CAD $7 (approximately £4)
Validity	Up to five years or until passport expiry
Processing time	Usually minutes
Application method	Online at canada.ca/eta
Requirement	Only for air travel; not required for land or sea entry

British citizens are eTA-eligible. The application takes a few minutes: you need your passport, a credit or debit card and an email address. Most approvals come through almost instantly. Unlike ESTA, the Canada eTA is not required for land or sea border crossings, only for air travel.

US citizens do not need an eTA for Canada, but they do need a valid US passport (not a REAL ID or driver's licence) to cross the international border. This catches some American fans off guard.

Canadian Visitor Visa

Fans from countries not on Canada's visa-exempt list will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This requires an application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal, including biometrics collection, supporting documents and a processing fee. Processing times vary by nationality but are generally faster than US B-2 visa timelines. Note that Canada's entry rules depend on both your citizenship and your mode of travel; some nationals of visa-required countries may be eligible for an eTA instead of a full visa when flying. Use Canada's "Find out if you need a visa" tool at ircc.canada.ca before applying.

For fans affected by the US travel ban, Canada offers a viable alternative. Cote d'Ivoire, for example, play their second group stage match in Toronto. Canadian visa requirements are country-specific and should be checked directly at the IRCC website.

Entry Requirements for Mexico

Mexico hosts matches in three cities: Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron) and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA). Of the three host nations, Mexico has the most relaxed entry rules for the majority of football fans.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of more than 60 countries can enter Mexico for tourism without a visa. This includes holders of UK, US, Canadian, most EU, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean, Argentine, Brazilian and Chilean passports. The maximum visa-free stay is 180 days, far more than any fan will need for the tournament.

Mexico Entry Detail	Current Requirement (2026)
Visa requirement (UK/EU citizens)	None for stays up to 180 days
Cost	Free (departure tax sometimes applies)
Passport validity	Must be valid for more than six months at date of entry
Land entry document	FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) tourist card
Additional requirement	May be asked for proof of return flight and accommodation

British passport holders need no visa, no pre-authorisation and no electronic travel permit for Mexico. Simply arrive with a valid passport (which must have more than six months' validity remaining at the date you enter the country), and you will receive an entry stamp determining your permitted stay. Immigration staff may ask for proof of a return flight and accommodation, so have these accessible.

If entering Mexico by land from the US, you will need the FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple), a simple tourist card that can be completed online before travel at Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) website. Air arrivals typically have this processed at immigration on landing.

Fans Who Need a Mexican Visa

Nationals of most South Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern and sub-Saharan African countries need to apply for a Mexican visa in advance through a Mexican consulate. However, there is an important shortcut: holders of valid US, Canadian, UK, EU or Japanese visas or residence permits can often enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days, even if their home nationality normally requires a visa. Chinese and Indian nationals with valid US visas, for example, may enter Mexico without a separate application. Always verify current rules with the Mexican embassy before travel, as these arrangements change.

For fans from countries affected by the US travel ban, Estadio Azteca tickets and fixtures in Guadalajara and Monterrey may represent the most accessible route to attending the World Cup in person.

Country-by-Country Quick Reference for Major Football Nations

The table below summarises entry requirements for the nationals most likely to be travelling to the 2026 World Cup. This is a simplified overview; entry rules depend on factors including your mode of travel, dual nationality, travel history and individual circumstances. Always confirm your specific requirements using each country's government immigration tool before booking.

Nationality	USA	Canada	Mexico
United Kingdom	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Germany	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
France	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Spain	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Italy	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Netherlands	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Portugal	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Japan	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Australia	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
South Korea	ESTA ($40/£32)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Argentina	B-1/B-2 visa ($185/£148)	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	Visa-free
Brazil	B-1/B-2 visa ($185/£148)	Check IRCC tool*	Visa-free
Mexico	B-1/B-2 visa or BCC	eTA (CAD $7/£4)	N/A (host)
Nigeria	Suspended (Proclamation 10998)	Check IRCC tool*	Check with consulate
Senegal	Suspended (Proclamation 10998)	Check IRCC tool*	Check with consulate
Iran	Suspended (Proclamation 10998)	Check IRCC tool*	Check with consulate
Saudi Arabia	B-1/B-2 visa ($185/£148)	Check IRCC tool*	Visa-free with valid US visa
India	B-1/B-2 visa ($185/£148)	Check IRCC tool*	Visa-free with valid US visa

* Canada's entry requirements depend on citizenship and mode of travel. Use the IRCC "Find out if you need a visa" tool at ircc.canada.ca for your specific situation.

Travelling Between Host Countries During the Tournament

If your team progresses or you are attending matches in multiple host nations, you will need to satisfy entry requirements for each country you enter. A few practical points to keep in mind.

VWP travellers entering the US can take short trips to Canada or Mexico and return to the US under the same 90-day ESTA admission period. Your total stay, including time in Canada or Mexico, must not exceed 90 days from initial US entry. This is a useful provision for fans hopping between US and Canadian or Mexican host cities.

Flying from the US to Canada requires a Canada eTA (for eTA-eligible nationals) or a valid Canadian visitor visa. Driving across the land border from the US does not require an eTA, but you must carry your passport and meet all other Canadian entry requirements.

Crossing from the US into Mexico by land requires the FMM tourist card. If flying, immigration is handled upon arrival. Returning to the US from Mexico requires a valid ESTA or US visa. Make sure your documents cover re-entry.

Timeline: When to Start Your Visa Process

The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Working backwards, here is a practical timeline for fans still finalising travel documents.

Timeframe	Action
Now (April 2026)	Check passport expiry. Renew if it expires before February 2027
Now	Apply for ESTA if VWP-eligible. Most approvals are instant
Now	Apply for Canada eTA if attending Toronto or Vancouver matches
Now	If you need a B-1/B-2 visa and have not applied, you are very late. Contact the US embassy immediately
May 2026	Confirm all travel documents are in order. Print or save copies of ESTA approval, eTA confirmation and visa pages
June 2026	Carry printed copies of match tickets, hotel confirmations and travel insurance at all times

For B-2 visa applicants, the window is closing. Consular interview wait times in Lagos, Mumbai, Sao Paulo and other high-demand posts can run months. The US State Department has confirmed that FIFA PASS interview appointments scheduled on or before 31 May 2026 should proceed as planned. If your interview is scheduled after that date, follow country-specific guidance from the embassy.

Travel Insurance and Documentation Tips

Travel insurance is not a visa requirement for any of the three host countries, but it is strongly recommended, particularly for matches in the United States. Medical treatment without insurance in the USA can result in bills running into tens of thousands of pounds. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses and trip cancellation. If relevant, check whether it covers tickets purchased in advance. Some insurers offer specific sports event cancellation cover.

At immigration in all three countries, officers may ask to see proof of your reason for travel. Having the following documents accessible (printed or on your phone) will smooth the process: match tickets or booking confirmations, hotel reservations, return flight details, travel insurance documentation and proof of sufficient funds.

World Cup 2026 Venue Cities by Host Country

Understanding which matches are in which country is essential for visa planning. Below is the full breakdown of the 16 host cities and their stadiums.

Host Country	City	Stadium	Matches	Key Fixtures
United States (11 cities, 78 matches)	New Jersey/New York	MetLife Stadium	8	Final (19 July 2026), semi-final, quarter-final, group stage
	Dallas/Arlington	AT&T Stadium	9	Semi-final, round of 16, two rounds of 32, group stage. Most matches of any venue
	Atlanta	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	8	Semi-final, round of 16, round of 32, group stage
	Los Angeles	SoFi Stadium	8	Quarter-final, round of 32, group stage
	Boston	Gillette Stadium	7	Quarter-final, round of 32, group stage
	Houston	NRG Stadium	7	Round of 16, round of 32, group stage
	Miami	Hard Rock Stadium	7	Third-place match, quarter-final, round of 32, group stage
	Seattle	Lumen Field	6	Round of 16, round of 32, group stage
	Philadelphia	Lincoln Financial Field	6	Round of 16, group stage
	San Francisco/Santa Clara	Levi's Stadium	6	Round of 32, group stage
	Kansas City	Arrowhead Stadium	6	Quarter-final, round of 32, group stage
Canada (2 cities, 13 matches)	Toronto	BMO Field	6	Round of 32, group stage
	Vancouver	BC Place	7	Round of 16, round of 32, group stage
Mexico (3 cities, 13 matches)	Mexico City	Estadio Azteca	5	Opening match (11 June 2026), round of 16, round of 32, group stage. Only stadium to have hosted three World Cups
	Guadalajara	Estadio Akron	4	Group stage only. Only venue without a knockout fixture
	Monterrey	Estadio BBVA	4	Round of 32, group stage

For fans affected by US travel restrictions, matches in Canada and Mexico may be the most accessible route to attending the tournament in person. Check your team's group stage draw to see which venues are assigned.

Common Mistakes That Could Prevent You from Attending

Thousands of fans miss major tournaments every cycle due to avoidable errors. The following are the most frequent problems.

Expired passport: The USA's general rule requires passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure, though some countries have bilateral exemptions. Mexico requires more than six months' validity at the date of entry. If your passport is close to expiry, renew now to be safe.

Assuming ESTA covers work: ESTA is strictly for tourism, business meetings and transit. Working remotely on US soil while on an ESTA technically violates the terms. This is unlikely to cause problems for a fan attending matches, but do not volunteer that you will be working remotely during your trip.

Not applying for the right country: Some fans only check US requirements and forget that their itinerary includes a match in Toronto or Mexico City. Each border crossing is a separate immigration event.

Using third-party ESTA sites: Numerous third-party websites charge inflated fees ($80-$150/£64-£120) for what is a $40 (£32) government application. The only legitimate ESTA site is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The same applies to Canada eTA; the government site is canada.ca/eta and the fee is CAD $7 (£4).

Leaving it too late: For ESTA and eTA, late applications are rarely a problem as approvals are usually instant. For B-1/B-2 visas, being late is a genuine crisis. If you need a US visa and have not started the process by April 2026, your chances of attending are slim.

What About a Fan ID?

Previous World Cups (notably Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022) introduced Fan ID systems that simplified or replaced visa requirements. No equivalent system has been confirmed for the 2026 World Cup. The USA, Canada and Mexico have each confirmed that standard immigration rules apply. Do not wait for a Fan ID announcement; plan on meeting the regular visa and travel authorisation requirements described in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to attend the World Cup 2026 in the USA?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of VWP countries (more than 40 nations) need only an ESTA, which costs $40 (£32) and is applied for online. All other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which requires a consular interview. Nationals of 39 countries face restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

How much does an ESTA cost in 2026?

The ESTA fee increased to $40 (approximately £32) in September 2025. This covers a two-year authorisation. Apply only through the government site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov to avoid inflated third-party charges.

Can UK citizens attend World Cup 2026 without a visa?

Yes. British passport holders are part of the US Visa Waiver Programme and need only an ESTA for the USA, an eTA (CAD $7/£4) for Canada and no visa at all for Mexico. All documents can be obtained online.

How long does a US B-2 visa take to process?

Processing times vary by country and can range from a few weeks to several months. In high-demand countries like Brazil, India and Nigeria, interview wait times may exceed 100 days. Apply as early as possible.

What is FIFA PASS and who can use it?

FIFA PASS is a priority appointment system for US visa interviews. It is only available to fans who purchased World Cup tickets directly from FIFA and opted in through their FIFA.com account. It does not guarantee visa approval.

Which countries are affected by US visa restrictions for the World Cup?

Presidential Proclamation 10998 fully suspends visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. A further 19 countries face partial B-1/B-2 suspensions, including Nigeria, Senegal and Venezuela. Turkmenistan faces immigrant visa restrictions only.

Can fans from restricted countries attend World Cup matches in Canada or Mexico?

Potentially, yes. Canada and Mexico have their own separate visa regimes. Fans from US-restricted countries may be able to obtain Canadian visitor visas or Mexican visas to attend matches in Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey. Check each country's requirements for your specific nationality.

Do I need a visa for Canada to attend World Cup 2026 matches?

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including the UK and most EU nations) need only a Canada eTA for air travel, which costs CAD $7 (£4) and takes minutes to obtain. Other nationalities may need a Temporary Resident Visa. US citizens need a valid passport. Use Canada's IRCC eligibility tool for your specific case.

Do I need a visa for Mexico to attend World Cup 2026 matches?

Most European, North American, South American, Japanese, South Korean and Australian passport holders can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. Nationals from some Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries need a Mexican visa or may qualify for visa-free entry with a valid US visa.

Can I travel between the USA, Canada and Mexico during the World Cup?

Yes, but you must satisfy entry requirements for each country separately. VWP travellers can re-enter the USA from Canada or Mexico within their original 90-day ESTA period. Carry all travel documents at every border crossing.

What passport validity do I need for the USA?

The general US rule requires passport validity of at least six months beyond your planned departure. However, some countries, including the UK, have bilateral agreements that may adjust this requirement. Check travel.state.gov for country-specific exceptions.

Is the Canada eTA the same as ESTA?

They serve a similar function but are entirely separate systems run by different governments. You need both if attending matches in the USA and Canada. The Canada eTA costs CAD $7 (£4) and is valid for up to five years. ESTA costs $40 (£32) and is valid for two years.

Where is the World Cup 2026 Final?

The Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July 2026. This venue is in the United States, so US entry requirements apply. ESTA or a B-1/B-2 visa is required depending on your nationality.

Do children need their own ESTA or eTA?

Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own approved ESTA for the USA and eTA for Canada. Children and infants must have their own passport and their own separate application.

What happens if my ESTA is denied?

If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa through a US embassy or consulate. Common reasons for denial include previous overstays, travel to certain countries of concern, or criminal history. Denial is final and cannot be appealed through the ESTA system.

Should I buy travel insurance for the World Cup?

Strongly recommended, especially for matches in the USA where medical costs without insurance can be catastrophic. Look for policies that cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage and sports event cancellation.

Can I use a B-1/B-2 visa that was issued before the travel ban?

Yes. Presidential Proclamation 10998 only applies to nationals who were outside the US on 1 January 2026 and did not hold a valid visa on that date. Existing valid visas issued before the ban are not affected or revoked.

What is the FMM for Mexico?

The Forma Migratoria Multiple is a tourist entry document required for land entry into Mexico. Air travellers usually have this handled at immigration on arrival. It can be completed online before travel for a smoother border crossing.

How many matches does each host country have?

The USA hosts 78 of the 104 World Cup matches across 11 cities, including the semi-finals and the Final at MetLife Stadium. Canada hosts 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver. Mexico hosts 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Where can I buy World Cup 2026 tickets now?

The last-minute sales phase (Phase 4) is live on FIFA.com on a first-come, first-served basis. For fans who miss those allocations, verified resale tickets are available through 1BoxOffice, which has offered football fans a trusted marketplace since 2006.

Abbreviations Used in This Guide

Abbreviation	Full Term	What It Means
ESTA	Electronic System for Travel Authorisation	Online pre-screening system for US entry under the Visa Waiver Programme. Required before boarding a US-bound flight.
eTA	Electronic Travel Authorisation (Canada)	Canada's online entry permit for visa-exempt travellers flying into the country. Not required for land or sea entry.
VWP	Visa Waiver Programme	US programme allowing citizens of participating countries to visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
B-1/B-2	B-1 (Business) / B-2 (Tourism) Visa	US visitor visa for nationals not eligible for the VWP. Requires a consular interview.
DS-160	Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	The electronic form all US visa applicants must complete before their consular interview.
CBP	Customs and Border Protection	US agency that manages ESTA and makes entry decisions at ports of arrival.
FIFA PASS	FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System	Fast-track US visa interview booking for fans who bought tickets directly from FIFA.
FMM	Forma Migratoria Multiple	Mexico's tourist entry card, required for land border crossings. Air arrivals usually receive this on landing.
TRV	Temporary Resident Visa (Canada)	Full visitor visa for nationals who are not visa-exempt for Canada.
IRCC	Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada	Canadian government body that processes visitor visas and manages entry rules.
BCC	Border Crossing Card (Laser Visa)	Document used by Mexican nationals for short visits to the US border zone.
GBP	British Pound Sterling	Currency of the United Kingdom. Approximate conversions are provided alongside USD and CAD figures throughout this guide.

Sources: US Department of State (travel.state.gov), US Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (canada.ca), Government of Mexico (gob.mx), FIFA.com, NAFSA regulatory guidance on Proclamation 10998. Checked against government and FIFA sources in April 2026. Entry rules can change at short notice; always confirm with the relevant embassy, consulate or government portal before booking travel.