FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Requirements

Discover the U.S. Visas and Entry Documents by Country

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Disclaimer: We are a private agency not affiliated with the US government. We provide professional assistance for ESTA applications.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest sporting event in history, with 48 teams competing across North America. While matches will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the majority of high-stakes games, including the final, will be hosted in U.S. stadiums.

For international fans, witnessing this history requires more than just a match ticket; it requires precise adherence to U.S. border regulations.

Navigating US travel requirements for World Cup 2026 can be complex due to the strict distinction between visa-exempt travelers and those requiring consular interviews.

This guide outlines exactly what documentation is required to enter the United States, how to move between host cities, and how to secure your visa or ESTA for World Cup 2026 in the US through estavisaus.org.

Overview: Cities Hosting the World Cup 2026 in the US

The United States has selected 11 world-class cities to host matches. Unlike previous tournaments held in a single city or small region, these venues span the entire continent.

Understanding the geography is vital not only for booking flights but for understanding that entry requirements for the 2026 World Cup in the US apply uniformly, regardless of which state you enter.

Immigration controls are federal. Whether you land in New York or Los Angeles, you must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the correct authorization before you can head to the stadium.

U.S. host cities and stadiums

If you are following your team, you may need to travel between several of the following hubs. Ensure your travel authorization remains valid for the duration of your stay across these locations:

  • New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium
  • Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium
  • Dallas: AT&T Stadium
  • San Francisco Bay Area: Levi’s Stadium
  • Miami: Hard Rock Stadium
  • Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Seattle: Lumen Field
  • Houston: NRG Stadium
  • Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field
  • Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium
  • Boston: Gillette Stadium

Why Entry Requirements Matter for Fans

The United States enforces some of the strictest border controls in the world. Possession of a valid FIFA World Cup match ticket does not grant you entry into the country.

Without an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a valid U.S. visa in your passport, airlines will deny you boarding at your point of origin.

Travelers who attempt to enter with incorrect or expired documentation risk immediate deportation and a future ban on entering the United States. Planning your immigration status is as critical as booking your accommodation.

Do You Need a Visa or an ESTA to Travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup?

Your nationality determines whether you need a full visa or a simplified ESTA.

  1. The ESTA (Visa Waiver Program):

    Citizens of nearly 40 countries (including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, Japan, and South Korea) do not need a visa. Instead, they must obtain an approved ESTA. This is a digital travel authorization linked to your passport.

    • Processing time: Usually 72 hours or less.
    • Validity: 2 years (or until passport expiry).
    • Benefits: Allows multiple entries into the U.S. for up to 90 days per visit.

  2. The B1/B2 Visitor Visa:

    If you are from a country not on the Visa Waiver list (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, India), you must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa at a U.S. Embassy.

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    Important Update: FIFA and U.S. authorities are working to prioritize visa interview appointments for World Cup ticket holders, but wait times can still be long. We recommend applying immediately once you have confirmed your travel plans.

How to Apply for Your ESTA Online

At estavisaus.org, we specialize in processing travel authorizations with accuracy and speed, ensuring your data meets all government standards to minimize the risk of rejection.

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    1- Fill out the form:
    Complete our simplified online application form with your passport details and travel information.

    Start Now
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    2 - Review and pay:
    Our system reviews your application for common errors. Once verified, pay the processing fee securely.

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    3- Receive authorization:
    Your approved ESTA is sent directly to your email. We recommend printing a physical copy to carry with your match tickets.

Traveling Between U.S. World Cup Host Cities

Once you have legally entered the United States, you are free to travel domestically between all host cities (e.g., flying from Miami to Seattle) without passing through immigration again.

However, if your team plays matches in Canada (Toronto/Vancouver) or Mexico (Mexico City/Guadalajara/Monterrey), you will be leaving the U.S.

  • Re-entry: When you return to the U.S. for a subsequent match, your ESTA or Visa must still be valid.
  • Wait times: Border crossings during the tournament will be busy. Ensure you factor in CBP processing times when returning from Canada or Mexico.

Entry Requirements Checklist for World Cup Fans

Before you head to the airport, cross-reference your documents with this mandatory checklist:

  • Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
  • Approved ESTA or U.S. visa: Must be "Authorized" status before boarding.
  • Match tickets & itinerary: Border agents may ask for proof of your reason for visiting (tickets) and where you will stay (hotel bookings).
  • Return/onward Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave the U.S. after the tournament.
  • Health/travel insurance: While not legally mandatory for entry, healthcare in the U.S. is extremely expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a visa to attend World Cup 2026 matches in the United States? Toggle faqs

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (like the UK, France, Germany, and Japan) generally do not need a visa; they need an approved ESTA. Citizens of other countries must obtain a B1/B2 Visitor Visa from a U.S. Embassy.

Does having a match ticket guarantee that I can enter the country? Toggle faqs

No. A match ticket grants entry to the stadium, not the country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry have the final authority to grant or deny admission into the United States.

How early should I apply for my U.S. visa or ESTA before the 2026 World Cup? Toggle faqs

If you are eligible for an ESTA, apply at least 72 hours before travel, though we recommend applying weeks in advance. If you require a U.S. Visa, apply as soon as possible, as embassy appointment wait times can exceed several months.

Can I visit more than one U.S. World Cup host city on the same trip? Toggle faqs

Yes. Once you have cleared immigration and entered the United States, you can travel freely between all host cities (e.g., New York to Los Angeles) without further immigration checks.

What happens if my ESTA is refused before the 2026 World Cup? Toggle faqs

If your ESTA is denied, you cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program. You must make an appointment at a U.S. Embassy to apply for a full B1/B2 Tourist Visa. This process takes much longer, so apply for your ESTA early to identify any issues.

Do children also need ESTA or a visa to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States? Toggle faqs

Yes. All travelers, regardless of age, must have their own valid ESTA or Visa. This includes infants and minors accompanied by parents.

Can I enter the United States by land from Canada or Mexico for the 2026 World Cup matches? Toggle faqs

Yes, but documentation requirements remain the same. Travelers entering by land from Canada or Mexico are now required to have a valid ESTA (for VWP nationals) or a valid visa. The previous exemption for land borders has ended.