Your Essential Guide to Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to make history as the largest football tournament ever, featuring 48 teams competing across three nations. The United States will host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. With millions of fans expected to travel from around the globe, understanding U.S. visa requirements is crucial for anyone planning to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Understanding FIFA PASS: Priority Visa Appointments for Ticket Holders
The U.S. government has introduced a groundbreaking system to help international fans attend World Cup matches more easily. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) gives every fan who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritized visa interview.
How FIFA PASS Works
To use the FIFA PASS system, fans must first purchase a ticket to a 2026 World Cup match in the United States, and once the system opens in early 2026, eligible ticket holders will be able to request a prioritized visa interview appointment through the State Department.
Important clarifications:
- Your World Cup ticket is NOT a visa
- Having a ticket does not guarantee visa approval
- You still must meet all standard visa requirements
- All applicants must complete the standard DS-160 visa form, pay the visa fee, and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Countries previously facing monthslong delays—including South American soccer powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil—will now have visa interview availability within 60 days once fans are registered in the system.
Who Needs a U.S. Visa for the World Cup?
Visa Waiver Program Countries (No Visa Required)
Canadian and Bermudan passport holders do not require any additional authorization to seek entry into the United States as tourists.
Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries including the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and 35+ other nations can enter using ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead of obtaining a traditional visa.
Countries Requiring a B-2 Tourist Visa
Fans from all other countries are required to have a valid U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2) to travel to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 26. This includes fans from:
- Most South American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru)
- Most Asian countries (India, China, Philippines, Indonesia)
- Most African countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt)
- Middle Eastern countries (UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia)
- Eastern European countries not in the Visa Waiver Program
Critical Passport Requirements
All visitors traveling to the United States are required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the United States, unless they are a citizen of an exempt country.
Action Required: Check your passport expiration date now. If it expires before January 2027, renew it immediately.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a U.S. Tourist Visa
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form
Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center and fill out Form DS-160 online. This comprehensive application form requires:
- Personal information
- Travel history
- Employment details
- Security and background questions
Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Those from non-waiver countries must pay the standard $185 application fee plus a new $250 visa integrity fee, totaling $435 per applicant.
Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Interview
If you need a U.S. visa and don’t have one yet, NOW is the time to apply. Wait times vary dramatically by country:
Countries with manageable wait times (under 60 days): Many European, some Asian locations
Countries with challenging wait times (60-300 days): Select locations in Latin America and Asia
Countries with severe delays (300+ days): Colombia, Nigeria, India, and certain other high-demand locations
Step 4: Attend Your Interview
Arrive at your scheduled appointment with all required documents:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee payment receipt
- World Cup ticket confirmation (if available)
- Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property deeds, family documentation)
- Bank statements showing financial stability
- Travel itinerary
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary. Some applicants receive approval immediately, while others may face additional administrative processing that can take several weeks.
Eleven U.S. Host Cities You’ll Want to Visit
The United States will host matches across 11 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
What Makes Each City Special
New York/New Jersey – Will host the final match on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium
Los Angeles – Features the newly built SoFi Stadium, future host of the 2028 Olympics
Miami – Perfect blend of beaches, nightlife, and world-class dining
Atlanta – Southern hospitality meets modern infrastructure at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Dallas – AT&T Stadium will host the most matches of any venue with nine games
Pro Tips for a Smooth Visa Application
Apply Early, Apply Now
Given the processing times involved, anyone wishing to attend the FIFA World Cup 26 is encouraged to complete their respective visa applications as early as possible. Start your application at least 6-12 months before the tournament begins on June 11, 2026.
Demonstrate Strong Home Ties
Visa officers need assurance that you’ll return home after the World Cup. Strengthen your application by showing:
- Stable employment with a letter from your employer
- Property ownership in your home country
- Family relationships and responsibilities
- Previous travel history showing you’ve returned from international trips
Prepare Financial Documentation
Show you can afford your trip without working in the U.S. Provide:
- Bank statements from the last 3-6 months
- Proof of income or employment
- Sponsorship letters (if someone else is funding your trip)
Be Honest and Consistent
Never provide false information. Misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility and may affect future travel to many countries.
Traveling Between Host Countries
The World Cup spans three nations, and many fans plan to attend matches in multiple countries. A visa for one country does not automatically grant access to the others; travelers will need to meet the entry requirements for each nation separately.
Mexico Requirements
Travelers with a valid U.S. multiple-entry visa can visit Mexico for up to 180 days without requiring an additional Mexican visa. This makes attending matches in Guadalajara, Mexico City, or Monterrey easier for fans with U.S. visas.
Canada Requirements
Check Canada’s visa requirements separately. Some travelers may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visitor visa.
What FIFA PASS Means for International Fans
The introduction of FIFA PASS represents a major shift in how the U.S. handles visa processing for large sporting events. This service gives every fan who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritized visa interview, representing a major milestone in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup.
However, remember: Holding a FIFA World Cup 26 ticket does not guarantee that you will be issued a visa to enter the United States. You must still qualify under standard visitor visa requirements.
Common Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to apply – Don’t wait for ticket sales; apply as soon as possible
- Incomplete documentation – Missing documents cause delays and potential denials
- Weak ties to home country – Failure to demonstrate return intent is a top denial reason
- Inconsistent information – Ensure all forms and documents tell the same story
- Insufficient financial proof – Show you can support yourself throughout your stay
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada or Mexico for World Cup matches should enroll in STEP, a free service that provides safety alerts and helps embassies contact you in emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa during the World Cup? No. Tourist visas strictly prohibit employment or business activities.
Q: How long can I stay in the U.S. on a tourist visa? Typically up to six months, though you should only stay for the duration of your planned trip.
Q: What if my visa application is denied? You can reapply, but address the reasons for denial in your new application. Consider consulting an immigration attorney.
Q: Do children need their own visas? Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs appropriate travel authorization.
Q: Can I extend my visa if I want to stay longer? Extensions are possible but must be applied for before your authorized stay expires.
Conclusion: Start Your Application Today
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football, culture, and international unity. With 48 teams competing and millions of fans expected, this will be the largest World Cup in history.
Don’t let visa processing delays keep you from experiencing this historic event. Whether you’re eligible for FIFA PASS priority appointments or need to navigate the standard application process, starting now gives you the best chance of success.
The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens — as well as all of the teams and fans participating in FIFA World Cup 26 events — by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through the visa process.
Check your passport validity, gather your documents, and begin your visa application today. The journey to the World Cup starts with proper preparation, and your dream of watching the beautiful game on North American soil can become reality with the right planning.
