Do I need a visa for the 2026 World Cup?
✒️ By the worldcup-travel.com team | 📅 Updated 19 November 2025
Yes - some international travelers will need a visa to enter the USA, Mexico, or Canada for the 2026 World Cup. Your individual requirements will depend on what country has issued your passport/travel permit.
As of November 2025, FIFA and the US Government announced the launch of the FIFA PASS (FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System) - a new system set up to give World Cup ticket holders access to an expedited visa process, bypassing the long wait times which are typical for many foreigners wanting to visit the USA. Read more about FIFA PASS below 👇.
We’ve provided links to the government websites for all three countries. There, you should be able to find the correct and up-to-date information about what travel authorization may be needed to travel to the 2026 World Cup – the largest and most geographically diverse in history.
For visas to World Cup games in the United States visit this page. Note: The USA also has a handy search tool called the Visa Wizard, which should facilitate your search nicely.
For visas to World Cup games in Mexico, visit this page.
For visas to World Cup games in Canada, visit this page.
If any relevant information is given about visas for the 2026 World Cup, we’ll be pushing that news out via our newsletter. Sign up so you don’t miss out!
FIFA PASS: How World Cup fans can bypass the USA’s lengthy visa wait times
FIFA PASS stands for Priority Appointment Scheduling System. It was launched in November 2025 by FIFA and the US Government as a way for World Cup ticket holding fans to bypass the long wait times for U.S visa appointments, which are typical in many countries.
The long wait times were a big worry for fans around the globe, with some countries having to wait almost a year for visa appointments if they wish to travel to the U.S. For example, in Colombia (who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup) it is common for Colombians to have to wait 11 months for a visa appointment.
Eligible individuals (foreign national World Cup ticket holders) can now use the FIFA PASS portal to book their visa appointments, jumping ahead of any non-World Cup travelers hoping to get to USA.
It’s worth noting, FIFA PASS is only for booking the visa appointments in your country - it does not guarantee entry to the U.S, and fans will still have to go through the usual vetting procedures for visa applications in their country of origin.
Secured your tickets? Plan how to get to the 2026 World Cup and get familiar with the 2026 World Cup host cities.
