6 minute read | Last update: November 28, 2025
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Table of Contents
▼The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted for the first time in three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With most matches, including the final, played in U.S. cities, fans from India, Egypt, the Philippines, and across the globe must prepare for a complex travel challenge.
Depending on your nationality, you might need one, two, or even three different travel documents to follow your team.
This guide explains the main entry requirements for the three World Cup host countries, the "Golden Key" strategy to simplify your travel, the truth about the new FIFA PASS system, and why avoiding errors in your application is critical to ensuring you don't miss the kick-off.
Entry Requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: What You Need to Know
Unlike the European Schengen zone, there is no single joint visa for North America. Travelers must meet the individual immigration standards for the United States, Mexico, and Canada separately.
While specific rules depend on your nationality, here is the essential overview for cross-border travel during the tournament:
- There is no universal visa. A visa for one host country does not automatically grant entry to the others. However, the US B1/B2 visa can be the key to enter Mexico and Canada.
- The US: Depending on your nationality and individual circumstances, you might need a US visa or an ESTA.
- Canada: You may be eligible for a Canadian eTA. If not, you will need to apply for a visa.
- Mexico: If you hold a B1/B2 visa, you can visit Mexico without needing a visa issued by the Mexican government.
Important: Visa processing times will surge as the tournament approaches. We strongly recommend applying for all necessary travel documents as soon as possible.
FIFA World Cup in the United States: who needs a B1/B2 visa?
The United States will host the majority of matches (78 games). For most fans traveling from outside Europe or the Visa Waiver Program zone, the B1/B2 Visitor Visa is mandatory.
You generally need a B1/B2 visa if:
- You are a citizen of India, Egypt, the Philippines, China, or most countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
- You are a Canadian resident but hold a passport from a visa-required country (e.g., an Indian citizen living in Toronto).
- Your previous U.S. visa has expired or will expire before July 2026.
- You are not eligible for ESTA (the Visa Waiver Program).
Important: Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for the U.S., but residents with foreign passports do.
Visiting Canada during the 2026 World Cup: eTA or visa required?
Canada has specific rules that vary significantly by nationality. Do not assume that having a U.S. visa automatically grants you entry to Canada.
Group A: The "Visa Required" List
If you are from India, Egypt, Vietnam, or other non-exempt countries, a U.S. Visa does not replace the Canadian visa. In those cases:
- You must apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV).
- The Benefit: If you already have your U.S. visa, you may qualify for CAN+, a program that speeds up your Canadian application, but you still need to submit your passport for a physical stamp.
Group B: The "Conditional eTA" List
Canada allows citizens of select countries (including the Philippines, Brazil, Morocco, and Thailand) to apply for a simple Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a full visa, but only if:
- You have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, OR
- You currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2).
- You are traveling by air.
This is why securing your U.S. visa via a professional service first is vital. It can save months of paperwork for Canada.
FIFA 2026 in Mexico: the easy entry
Mexico has one of the most fan-friendly policies for this tournament. In many cases, if you have a valid multiple-entry U.S. B1/B2 visa, you can enter Mexico for tourism without applying for a Mexican visa.
The "Golden Key" Strategy: Why You Must Apply for the US Visa First
Before you book flights or worry about Canada and Mexico, you need to understand one crucial strategy: the U.S. visa is the key to the entire tournament.
Our team at USVisaWizard strongly recommends prioritizing the B1/B2 Visa application immediately.
Why?
- It unlocks Mexico: If you hold a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa, Mexico generally allows you to enter as a tourist without a separate Mexican visa.
- It simplifies Canada: For citizens of countries like the Philippines, Morocco, and Thailand, holding a U.S. visa makes you eligible for an electronic eTA instead of a more difficult visa process.
- It enables transit: Most flights between match cities (e.g., Toronto to Mexico City) connect through U.S. hubs like Miami or Dallas. You cannot transit the U.S. without a valid visa.
Confirmed: The FIFA PASS & Wait Times
Update (November 2025): The U.S. Department of State and FIFA have officially confirmed the FIFA PASS system. Here is the truth about ‘skipping the line.’
What is FIFA PASS?
It is a priority appointment system launching in early 2026. It allows fans who have purchased official match tickets to request an expedited visa interview.
B1B2 visa process: the reality of wait times
- High demand: In countries like India (Chennai/Hyderabad) and Colombia, visa appointment wait times currently exceed 500+ days.
- The solution: FIFA PASS aims to reduce this wait to under 60 days for ticket holders.
- The catch: FIFA PASS gets you the interview, but it does not guarantee visa approval. You must still pass the strict consular screening.
Advice: If you are in a country with short wait times (e.g., Egypt or Thailand), we recommend you do not wait for FIFA PASS. Start your standard application now to be on the safe side.
Avoid the #1 Risk: Why You Need Expert Visa Help for Your FIFA World Cup Trip
The biggest threat to your World Cup trip is not the wait time; it is a clerical error.
A single mistake on your DS-160 Form (the U.S. visa application) can lead to an immediate rejection or "Administrative Processing," which can delay your visa by months, causing you to miss the tournament.
How USVisaWizard protects your trip
Applying for a U.S. visa is complex and unforgiving. With USVisaWizard, you don't just "fill out a form"; you get a dedicated team ensuring your application is bulletproof.
- Smart form technology: We provide a guided, user-friendly version of the DS-160 form.
- Expert review: Our specialists make sure that all your information is error-free before it goes to the embassy so we can catch common errors that cause rejections.
- Logistics management: We handle the stress of scheduling your VAC (biometrics) and Embassy appointments.
FAQs: FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Travel
Do World Cup tickets guarantee my visa is approved?
A: No. Tickets are required to access the FIFA PASS priority interview, but they do not guarantee the visa itself. Consular officers approve visas based on your ties to your home country (job, family, finances) and several other criteria, not just your tickets.
Can I work or hustle in the U.S. during the World Cup?
No. The B1/B2 visa is strictly for tourism and business meetings. You cannot work, sell goods, or perform paid services.
Can I travel between the US and Mexico multiple times during the FIFA World Cup?
Yes. A multiple-entry B1/B2 visa allows you to exit to Mexico for a match and re-enter the U.S., provided your visa status remains valid
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