If you plan to travel to the United States to enjoy the 2026 World Cup, the first thing you need is a visa or an ESTA. To do that, make sure you have the right immigration documentation before you buy flights or match tickets.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Entry requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality. With that in mind, before you travel:
- Start the visa application process as early as possible, since wait times can stretch for months depending on the country.
- Review the requirements to enter the United States and confirm which immigration documentation you may need.
At Curbelo Law, we can guide you based on your specific immigration situation before the World Cup and handle what you need so you can attend with peace of mind.
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What documents do I need to apply for a visa and enter the United States for the 2026 World Cup?
Any traveler who wants to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States should have two things before traveling:
- A valid, unexpired passport.
- The appropriate entry authorization document based on your nationality.
In most cases, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States, unless your country is on the CBP list of exceptions.
Keep in mind there are three main situations depending on your nationality:
- Canadian and Bermudian citizens: They do not need a visa or additional authorization to enter as tourists.
- Citizens eligible under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): They may travel without a visa, but they must obtain ESTA authorization before departing.
- Citizens of all other countries: They need a tourist visa to enter the United States.
To see what options may apply to your situation, you can review the different types of U.S. visas before starting any process.
What is ESTA and who can use it for the 2026 World Cup?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an electronic process that:
- Determines eligibility for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the United States without applying for a formal visa.
- Allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
For World Cup travelers, ESTA can cover the full length of the tournament, which lasts 39 days. However, there are important restrictions you should review:
- People with dual nationality from certain countries may face limitations.
- Travelers who have visited certain countries in recent years may not qualify.
- ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends applying for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel, but for the World Cup it is smart to do it several months in advance.
If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a B-2 visa, which requires additional time. You can check whether you qualify on the official ESTA Electronic System for Travelers site before purchasing flights.
How to apply for a B1/B2 visa for the 2026 World Cup
If your country does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa, or a B-1 visa if your trip includes permitted business activities. You can review the B-1 business visitor visa based on your specific case.
The application process follows these steps:
- Complete Form DS-160: This is the online nonimmigrant visa application. You must create a separate application for each traveler and print the confirmation page.
- Create your account and schedule your appointments: Go to your country’s official visa portal, create an account linked to the DS-160 code, and select the document delivery location.
- Pay the visa fee: The fee for these visas is $185. This payment must be made before you can schedule the interview.
- Attend your appointment: At both the applicant service center and the consulate, bring your valid passport, prior passports with U.S. visas (if you have them), and the DS-160 confirmation page.
- Wait for a decision: If your visa is approved, the consulate will tell you how and when you will receive or pick up your passport. Processing times vary by country and consular post.
Remember: an approved visa or an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP officers at ports of entry have the authority to admit or deny entry for different reasons.
To confirm official categories and requirements, you can visit the U.S. visitor visas page before starting the process.
What is FIFA PASS and how does it work for the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA PASS, the FIFA Appointment Priority Scheduling System, is a voluntary process created by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with FIFA.
It allows holders of official World Cup tickets who need a B-1 or B-2 visa to access priority interview appointments, avoiding the long standard waitlists in many countries.
To use FIFA PASS, you must:
- Have purchased an official World Cup ticket, and meet the conditions established by FIFA and the Department of State.
- Register in the FIFA PASS system through your FIFA.com account.
- Make sure your name and passport number match the DS-160 information exactly.
- When scheduling your appointment, answer “yes” when asked whether you are a FIFA ticket holder.
Keep in mind that FIFA PASS:
- Is not available for travelers who qualify for ESTA.
- Does not guarantee visa approval.
- Does not waive fees.
- Does not apply to people with active entry bans.
You can use the World Cup visa assistant to confirm which options apply to your specific case.
What should I know about the immigration bond requirement and the 2026 World Cup?
Since 2025, the Trump administration implemented a pilot immigration bond program that requires citizens of certain countries to post between $5,000 and $15,000 as a guarantee to obtain a tourist visa.
However, in May 2026, the Department of State announced a temporary easing of this requirement for World Cup fans.
Travelers from affected countries who have official tickets and are registered in FIFA PASS may be exempt from paying the bond. Countries included in this program include:
- Algeria.
- Cape Verde.
- Côte d’Ivoire.
- Senegal.
- Tunisia.
This exemption does not apply to every country facing restrictions. Citizens of Haiti and Iran, for example, may still face stricter limitations on entering the United States regardless of the tournament.
Current travel restrictions for the 2026 World Cup
There are travel and visa issuance restrictions that affect citizens of certain countries, with full or partial suspensions depending on nationality and the visa category requested.
Although the government has granted exceptions for athletes, coaching staff, and official team personnel from affected countries such as Haiti and Iran, those exceptions have not been extended to fans from those countries.
If you are unsure whether your country is affected by these restrictions, speak with our immigration attorney, Carolina T. Curbelo, before starting any process.
Temporary public health restrictions due to international outbreaks
In May 2026, the United States activated public health measures due to an Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, limiting the entry of certain non-U.S. travelers who had recently been in:
- Uganda.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- South Sudan.
These measures may affect people traveling for tourism or to attend the World Cup, so it is a good idea to review official alerts before buying tickets or finalizing your trip.
2026 World Cup host cities in the United States
The tournament will be played in 11 U.S. venues. Knowing the host cities can help you plan your visa application and travel itinerary:
- New York / New Jersey.
- Los Angeles.
- Dallas.
- San Francisco Bay Area.
- Miami.
- Atlanta.
- Seattle.
- Boston.
- Kansas City.
- Philadelphia.
- Houston.
Tips for travelers going to the 2026 World Cup
- Apply as early as possible. Interview wait times at some consulates exceed 300 days. Do not wait until you have tournament tickets to begin the process.
- Show strong ties to your home country. The most common reason a tourist visa is denied is failing to show intent to return. Prepare documents that demonstrate ties such as employment, property, or family.
- Prepare a clear itinerary. While it is not recommended to buy nonrefundable flights before you have a visa, having a travel plan with the matches you want to attend and the cities you will visit can strengthen your application.
- Always carry your documentation. Once in the United States, travelers over 18 are required to carry their Form I-94 and admission documents. Failing to do so can result in fines of up to $5,000 or up to 30 days of detention.
- Do not overstay your authorized time. Staying longer than what CBP authorized can have consequences that affect your ability to travel to the United States in the future. If you previously overstayed on a tourist visa even once, speak with our attorney before applying for your World Cup visa.
If your application runs into issues, it helps to know what to do if your visa application is denied before you apply again. And if you need to renew a prior document, review how to renew a U.S. visa correctly before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about a visa for the 2026 World Cup
How do I apply for a visa for the 2026 World Cup?
You must complete Form DS-160, create an account on your country’s visa portal, pay the $185 fee, schedule a consular interview, and attend with your documentation.
How can I get a U.S. visa for the 2026 World Cup?
The process is the same as for any tourist visa. The difference is that if you have FIFA tickets, you may be able to use FIFA PASS to get an earlier interview appointment.
How much does a visa for the 2026 World Cup cost?
The nonrefundable application fee for a temporary visa is $185. Depending on nationality, there may also be issuance fees, shipping costs, translations, photos, travel to the consulate, or, if applicable, an immigration bond.
How much does a World Cup ticket cost in the United States?
Prices can vary by round, host city, category, and availability. FIFA announced a fan ticket category starting at $60, although other tickets can cost much more depending on the match and seat location.
For official information on pricing and availability, review the international visitors to the United States page and FIFA’s official portal.
Does FIFA PASS guarantee visa approval?
No. FIFA PASS only helps you access priority interview appointments. Visa approval depends on meeting all standard immigration requirements.
Do I need a visa if I am from a Visa Waiver Program country?
You do not need a traditional visa, but you must obtain ESTA authorization before traveling. Apply early, because if it is denied you will need time to apply for a visa.
How Curbelo Law can help with your visa for the 2026 World Cup
The immigration process to visit the United States can become complex, especially if you have prior visa denials, past unlawful presence, or active restrictions.
At Curbelo Law, we evaluate your specific situation and guide you on the best strategy to obtain the documentation you need before the tournament.
If you have questions about eligibility or need help with your application, contact us early. Processing times do not wait, and neither does the World Cup.
