Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

As the countdown begins for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the tournament will, for the first time, be co-hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States. The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities.

The event will see Canada make its debut as a men’s FIFA World Cup host, with 13 matches taking place between Toronto and Vancouver.

With millions of international visitors expected to travel across North America, understanding visa and entry requirements will be a critical part of planning. Travelers heading to Canada for these matches will need to navigate standard immigration processes, including visitor visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and border entry requirements.

This blog outlines key travel requirements for entering Canada during the tournament, including visa options, documentation and what to expect at the border. For a broader overview of travel considerations across all host countries, visit our World Cup hub.

What do I need to enter Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

There is no dedicated “FIFA visa” for entry into Canada. Visitors attending matches will enter as tourists and must meet standard immigration requirements.

Most travelers will require either:

• A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV)
• An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Requirements depend on citizenship and mode of travel. A FIFA match ticket is not required to apply and possession of a ticket does not guarantee entry approval.

Certain travelers, including US citizens and US permanent residents, are exempt from both visa and eTA requirements but must carry appropriate documentation for entry.

Given the scale of the event and the volume of international travel expected, it is important for visitors to understand Canada’s entry requirements well in advance. To help facilitate the process, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has created a dedicated webpage for foreign nationals looking to visit or work in Canada temporarily for the event.

Entering Canada: What to Expect at the Border

Upon arrival, travelers must satisfy a border services officer that they meet all entry requirements. Officers may review documentation and ask questions about the purpose and duration of the visit.

Travelers should carry:

• A valid passport
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel itinerary (including proof of return travel)
• Evidence of financial means
• World Cup match tickets (if applicable)

The final decision on admission rests with the border officer at the port of entry.

TRV vs. eTA: Key Differences

A Temporary Resident Visa is required for nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt. Applicants must submit biometrics and a complete application online and may be asked to provide additional documentation. Processing times vary and may increase ahead of the tournament.

An eTA is required for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada. Applications are typically processed quickly, often within minutes, though some may require additional review. Travelers should still apply in advance of booking travel.

Certain travelers are exempt from both visitor visa and eTA requirements, including:

• US citizens
• US permanent residents
• French nationals residing in and arriving directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon

These individuals must still carry proper documentation noted above, including a valid passport. US permanent residents must also carry proof of citizenship and a valid US Permanent Resident Card.

Work Authorization for FIFA Participants and Staff

Canada has introduced temporary measures to facilitate travel for certain World Cup participants.

FIFA players, referees, team officials and certain accredited personnel do not require a work permit, though they may still need a TRV or eTA depending on nationality.

Media and broadcast personnel are also generally exempt from work permit requirements but must meet entry requirements.

In addition, a temporary public policy provides work permit exemptions for certain FIFA-invited individuals, including employees, contractors and subcontractors supporting official events in Toronto and Vancouver. This exemption applies to short-term, event-related work between December 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026.

Individuals not directly affiliated with FIFA may still require work authorization depending on the nature of their activities.

Planning Ahead for Canada 2026 World Cup Travel

As with other major international events, demand for visas and border processing is expected to increase. Travelers should plan and allow sufficient time for application preparation and processing.

Applicants are encouraged to clearly indicate that their travel is related to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in their TRV or eTA application, which may assist with processing and tracking.

Traveling Between Canada, the United States and Mexico

There is no unified World Cup visa across the three host countries. Each country maintains its own immigration rules and Fragomen is continuing to monitor immigration measures related to the FIFA World Cup 2026 across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Travelers planning to attend matches across the continent should review entry requirements for each destination separately and ensure compliance with the conditions of their stay.

Need to Know More?  

For questions about Canada entry requirements, please contact Partner Rick Lamanna at [email protected]. For the latest FIFA 2026 World Cup immigration updates, please visit our resource hub here.

This blog was published on April 29, 2026 and may be subject to change. To stay up to date on the latest immigration updates by subscribing to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.