Everything you need to know about travelling to the US for the FIFA World Cup 2026
US President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from Fifa President Gianni Infantino during the draw for the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico, at the Kennedy Centre, in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025.
Image: AFP
With South Africa playing in the opening game at the FIFA World Cup 2026, many people might be thinking of taking a trip to New Mexico City for the highly anticipated first match.
The upcoming World Cup will be held in the United States of America and Mexico starting in June, featuring 48 national teams. Eleven U.S. cities will host 78 matches, including the final at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 may be four months away, giving a person plenty of time to start planning their trip, especially if they start soon.
Foreign travellers visiting the United States for tourism, including for the FIFA World Cup 2026, must have the proper travel documents.
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe,” said Donald J. Trump, President of the United States
Foreign travelers planning to visit the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026 should ensure they have the correct travel documents:
All visitors traveling to the United States are required to have passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the United States, unless they are a citizen of an exempt country.
Foreign visitors from any of the 42 countries who participate in the Visa Waiver Program can apply using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Fans from all other countries are required to have a valid U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2) to travel to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in to FIFA PASS the chance to interview before the tournament begins.
FIFA also has hospitality options that include the Pitchside Lounge, VIP Trophy Lounge, Champions Club and FIFA Pavilion.
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