The 2026 FIFA World Cup spans three countries — the USA, Canada, and Mexico — which means fans planning a multi-city trip need to navigate three separate entry systems. Here's everything you need to know.
Entering the United States
The USA uses the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for citizens of 42 eligible countries. If your country is on the list, you can apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online for $21. It's approved within minutes in most cases and is valid for 2 years.
Apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. The official ESTA website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov — beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
If your country is NOT on the VWP list, you'll need a B-2 tourist visa. Schedule your visa interview at the nearest US Embassy as early as possible — wait times at some embassies are already 6+ months.
Entering Canada
Canada's entry system is similar to the USA's. Citizens of 53 countries can enter visa-free but need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — it costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes.
- eTA is required even for visa-exempt travelers flying into Canada
- eTA is NOT required if you're entering by land or sea
- US citizens do not need an eTA
- Apply at canada.ca/eta — the official government site
Entering Mexico
Mexico is the most accessible of the three host countries. Citizens of over 60 countries can enter visa-free for up to 180 days. This includes all EU countries, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most of Latin America.
Fill out your FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card on arrival. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Keep your copy — you'll need it when you leave.
Do NOT lose your FMM card. Replacing it at the airport costs money and time. Keep it with your passport at all times.
Multi-Country Trip Planning
If you're planning to visit matches in multiple countries, check each country's requirements separately. Your US visa or ESTA does not cover Canada or Mexico. However, having a valid US visa often makes Canadian entry easier.