U.S. Visa Guide for the 2026 World Cup: What Fans Need to Know

Navigating the U.S. Visa Process for the 2026 World Cup

Millions of fans will travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but a match ticket alone does not grant entry. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need either an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a B1/B2 visitor visa. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Due to long wait times for visa interviews, which can range from 60 days to over a year depending on your country, starting the application process early is crucial. This guide focuses on the process for those who need a B1/B2 visa, which includes fans from countries like Brazil, Argentina, India, Nigeria, and South Africa.

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

Your nationality is the primary factor in deciding whether you need an ESTA or a B1/B2 visa. Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, such as the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Spain, France, and Germany, can apply online for an ESTA. This authorization allows stays of up to 90 days and costs approximately $40. If you are not from a VWP country, you will need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa, which involves a more extensive application process and an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian and Bermudian citizens generally do not require advance authorization to enter the U.S. as visitors. If you already possess a valid B1/B2 visa that will remain valid throughout your travel dates, you do not need to reapply.

Feature	ESTA	B1/B2 Visa
Eligibility	Citizens of 42 VWP countries	All other nationalities
Cost	$40	$185 (MRV fee) + up to $250 (Integrity Fee)
Interview	Not required	Required, in person
Application	Online via esta.cbp.dhs.gov	U.S. embassy or consulate website
Stay Duration	Up to 90 days	Varies, often up to 10 years

Utilizing FIFA PASS for Priority Scheduling

For fans who purchased tickets directly from FIFA and require a B1/B2 visa, the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS, offers a way to secure a prioritized interview slot. This program links your match ticket to your visa application, potentially speeding up the scheduling process. It is important to understand that FIFA PASS does not alter the eligibility requirements for obtaining a visa; it only helps with appointment timing. To opt in, you must log into your FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS opt-in form. Spouses and minor children can only receive FIFA PASS appointments if they attend the same interview as the ticket holder. Early opt-ins by April 15, 2026, for nationals of competing countries who also qualify, may result in a waiver of the U.S. visa bond requirement.

Completing the DS-160 Form and Paying Fees

All applicants for a B1/B2 visa must complete the online Form DS-160, upload a suitable photograph, and pay the visa application fee. It is essential to fill out the DS-160 accurately. If you have opted into FIFA PASS, ensure that your name, passport number, and travel details precisely match those in your FIFA opt-in form. You should also answer “Yes” when asked if you are a FIFA World Cup ticket holder.

The total cost associated with the visa application can be significant. The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185 and is non-refundable, regardless of the visa’s approval status. Additionally, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250, enacted in July 2025, applies to most nonimmigrant visas and is collected only if the visa is issued. This brings the potential total cost to around $435.

Fee Type	Cost	When Collected
MRV Application Fee	$185	At application
Visa Integrity Fee	$250	Upon visa issuance
Total If Issued	$435
ESTA (VWP Travelers)	$40	At application

The Visa Integrity Fee is generally refundable only under specific circumstances, such as departing the U.S. on time and adhering to all visa terms. It is advisable to budget for this fee as a definite cost.

Scheduling Your Interview and Preparing Documents

Following the submission of the DS-160 and payment of fees, the next step is to schedule your visa interview. Applicants using FIFA PASS will be directed to priority slots within the standard appointment system for their country. Some individuals renewing a visa may be eligible for an interview waiver, which allows them to bypass the in-person interview.

The documents you present at the interview are as important as your responses. The consular officer’s goal is to confirm that you are a genuine visitor intending to leave the U.S. after your stay. Therefore, your match ticket, travel plans, and evidence of ties to your home country are all critical. It is recommended to gather the following documents before your interview:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• The DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
• Your appointment confirmation and fee payment receipt.
• Your FIFA World Cup match ticket or proof of purchase.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your trip, such as bank statements or pay slips.
• Documentation demonstrating ties to your home country, like a letter of employment or proof of property ownership.
• Your travel itinerary and details of your accommodation in the U.S.

Attending the Interview and Post-Approval Steps

During the visa interview, provide honest and concise answers. The consular officer will want to understand your clear plan for attending matches, the duration of your stay, and your reasons for returning home. While mentioning your match ticket is appropriate, your overall profile and demonstrated intent to comply with visa regulations are what ultimately determine approval.

If your visa is approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp, typically within a few business days. The visa itself is your travel document, but the final decision on your admission to the U.S. and the length of your authorized stay is made by a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. This authorized stay is recorded on your I-94 record. It is vital to check your I-94 date and depart the U.S. on or before it. Overstaying can lead to reentry bans of three or ten years and may affect the refundability of your integrity fee.

Common Pitfalls for World Cup Travelers

Several common mistakes can complicate the visa process for World Cup fans. One significant error is assuming that a match ticket guarantees visa approval; it does not. All applicants are evaluated based on their individual qualifications. Another frequent mistake is delaying the application process. Given the lengthy interview wait times, starting the application as early as possible is essential. It is also important not to confuse the ESTA authorization with a visa, as ESTA is only for VWP nationals and does not permit entry into Canada or Mexico. Finally, ensure that all details across your FIFA PASS opt-in and your DS-160 application are identical to avoid losing your priority slot.

After Visa Approval

Once you have your visa, focus on the logistical aspects of your trip. Confirm your accommodation, plan your travel between host cities, and always keep your I-94 departure date in mind. If your travel plans include matches in Canada or Mexico, you must independently arrange entry requirements for those countries, as a U.S. visa does not cover them. By following the correct procedures, applying early, and presenting a consistent case, obtaining your visa can be a manageable part of experiencing the World Cup in person.

Frequently Asked Questions