The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to show the world the beauty and greatness of America—and the United States is excited to welcome soccer fans from every corner of the globe.
If you need a U.S. visa for the tournament and don’t have one yet, now is the time to apply. The U.S. Department of State is working to keep fans safe while upholding high standards of national security and public safety through the visa process.
If you’re not sure what travel documents you need to visit the United States, check the country‑specific guidance provided by the State Department.
What all fans must know before they travel
Whether you’re coming for one match or the whole tournament, you must follow the same basic rules for entering the United States.
- All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, unless they are from a country that is exempt from this rule. You can learn more on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection page for the World Cup 2026.
- If you are a Canadian or Bermudan citizen, you do not need any extra authorization to enter the United States as a tourist.
- If you are from one of the 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you travel.
Fans from all other countries are required to have a valid U.S. visitor visa (B‑1/B‑2) to come to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FIFA PASS: faster visa interviews for ticket‑holders
To help fans with tickets, the U.S. has launched the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS).
- If you buy your FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets directly from FIFA and choose to opt in to FIFA PASS, you may be eligible to schedule an early B‑1/B‑2 visa interview before the tournament.
- FIFA PASS does not guarantee that your visa will be approved, but it can help you get an interview sooner than regular applicants.
For more details on how FIFA PASS works and answers to common questions, you can visit the official FIFA World Cup 26 visas and PASS FAQ page.
What you should do now if you plan to attend
- Check your country’s requirements (visa vs. ESTA) and whether you must apply for a visa or only an ESTA.
- Start your visa or ESTA application as early as possible, especially if you need a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- If you have official FIFA World Cup tickets, sign up for FIFA PASS so you can try to book an early visa interview.
By preparing your travel documents early, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the game, cheering your team, and making unforgettable memories at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.