2026 World Cup Travel: Your Guide to U.S. Entry Requirements

Navigating U.S. Entry for the 2026 World Cup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Millions of soccer fans will travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but a match ticket alone does not guarantee entry. Whether you need an approved ESTA or a B1/B2 visitor visa depends entirely on your nationality. For those requiring a visa, the process involves several key steps, and understanding them early is crucial, as interview wait times can be lengthy. This guide breaks down the essential requirements for international visitors planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Confirm Your Entry Requirements: ESTA vs. B1/B2 Visa

The first step in planning your trip is to determine if you need a visa or if you can enter using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens of 42 designated countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany, are eligible for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This is a simpler online application process that costs $40 and allows stays of up to 90 days.

If your passport is not from a VWP country, such as Brazil, India, or South Africa, you will need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. This process is more involved, requiring an online application, fees, and an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you already possess a valid B1/B2 visa that will remain current throughout your travel dates, you do not need to reapply.

Entry Method	Eligible For	Cost	Interview Required	Application Method
ESTA	Citizens of 42 VWP countries	$40	No	Online
B1/B2 Visa	All other nationalities	$185 (application) + $250 (integrity fee if issued)	Yes	Online form, then in-person interview

It’s important to note that neither an ESTA nor a U.S. visa covers entry into Canada or Mexico. If your travel plans include matches in these countries, you must meet their separate entry requirements.

Utilizing FIFA PASS for Priority Scheduling

For fans who purchased tickets directly from FIFA and require a B1/B2 visa, the FIFA PASS program offers a way to secure a prioritized interview slot. This system links your match ticket to your visa application, potentially speeding up the scheduling process, especially given the high demand. While FIFA PASS does not alter the qualification criteria for a visa, it can be a significant advantage for those facing long wait times.

To use FIFA PASS, you must first opt in through your FIFA.com account. This is a voluntary step, and it’s recommended to do so early. Spouses and minor children can only be included in a FIFA PASS appointment if they attend the interview with the primary ticket holder. A special incentive for early opt-ins, particularly for nationals of competing countries who registered by April 15, 2026, was the waiver of the U.S. visa bond requirement, provided they met all other qualifications.

Completing the DS-160 and Paying Associated Fees

The primary application for a B1/B2 visa is the Form DS-160, an online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Applicants must fill this out accurately and upload a recent photograph that meets specific requirements. If you have opted into FIFA PASS, ensure that all personal details, passport information, and travel dates precisely match those provided in your FIFA opt-in form. You will also need to indicate that you are a FIFA World Cup ticket holder when prompted.

The financial commitment for a U.S. visitor visa involves two main fees. The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185 and is non-refundable, regardless of the visa outcome. Additionally, a Visa Integrity Fee of $250 was introduced in July 2025 for most nonimmigrant visas. This fee is collected only if the visa is approved and issued, bringing the potential total cost to $435. While the integrity fee can be refunded in specific circumstances, such as departing the U.S. on time and adhering to visa terms, it should be budgeted as a definite expense.

Scheduling Your Interview and Preparing Documentation

Following the submission of the DS-160 and payment of the fees, the next step is to schedule your visa interview. FIFA PASS participants will be directed to priority slots within the standard appointment system for their respective countries. Some individuals applying to renew an existing B1/B2 visa may qualify for an interview waiver, allowing them to bypass the in-person interview.

The interview itself is a critical stage where consular officers assess your eligibility as a genuine visitor. To support your application, you must present a comprehensive set of documents. This includes your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, the DS-160 confirmation page, and proof of fee payment. Crucially, you should also bring your FIFA World Cup match ticket or purchase confirmation, evidence of sufficient funds for your trip (such as bank statements), and documentation demonstrating strong ties to your home country, like a letter of employment or property ownership. A detailed travel itinerary and confirmed accommodation details in the U.S. are also essential.

Attending the Interview and Understanding Post-Approval Procedures

During your visa interview, honesty and clarity are paramount. You will be asked about your plans for attending the World Cup, the duration of your stay, and your reasons for returning to your home country. While mentioning your match ticket is relevant, the consular officer’s decision will be based on your overall profile and your ability to prove you are a legitimate visitor who intends to depart the U.S. as planned.

If your visa application is approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp, typically within a few business days. It is important to understand that your visa is a travel document, but your authorized length of stay in the U.S. is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. They will record your authorized stay on your I-94 record. Always check this I-94 date carefully, as overstaying can lead to significant consequences, including reentry bans and the potential loss of your integrity fee.

Common Pitfalls for World Cup Travelers

Several common mistakes can hinder a smooth visa application process for World Cup attendees. One frequent error is the assumption that a match ticket guarantees visa approval. Remember, every applicant must meet the standard eligibility requirements, and FIFA PASS only affects interview scheduling. Another critical mistake is delaying the application process. Given the potential for interview wait times exceeding a year in some locations, starting early is essential.

Confusing the ESTA system with a visa or assuming U.S. travel authorizations extend to Canada or Mexico is also a common oversight. Each country has its own entry rules. Finally, discrepancies between information provided in the FIFA PASS opt-in form and the DS-160 application can lead to complications, potentially jeopardizing priority scheduling. Ensuring all details are consistent across all forms is vital.

Frequently Asked Questions