The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first-ever men's World Cup to be hosted across three different countries: Canada, Mexico, and the US. What’s more, there’s going to be 48 teams playing a total of 108 matches, making the competition more monumental than ever before, albeit a little more logistically challenging. But whether you want to visit a few matches in one region or aim for a World Cup tour of North America, it’s nothing that can’t be achieved with a bit of careful planning — and the help of this guide to cross-border travel in North America.
In the guide, we cover all of the logistical and practical information you need to travel in and across Canada, Mexico, and the US as an international traveler. This includes visas and entry requirements, advice for air, rail, and road travel, and border-crossing information. With this helpful info at your fingertips, you’ll be fully prepared to plan your World Cup 2026 trip without a hitch.
The Visas & Entry Guide for the World Cup 2026
Before rushing to buy tickets to your most highly anticipated matches, there are some bureaucratic goals to score, aka gaining approval to enter the countries you want to visit. Each of the three World Cup 2026 host countries has its own set of entry rules and requirements that visitors must account for when planning a trip. Here’s a breakdown to help you ensure you won’t be turned away at the border of each country.
Visa & Entry Requirements for the USA
What is an ESTA, and how do I get one?
An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a stamp of approval from the US government that allows one to travel in the US for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. As of July 2025, there are 41 countries eligible for an ESTA, most of which are European, with a few exceptions, including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Chile, and Israel. If you’re eligible to apply, here’s what you need to know:
- It costs $21 to apply for the ESTA
- Approval is not guaranteed, in which case you’ll have to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa
- The application should be sent at least 72 hours before flying, but the sooner the better
- Airlines check for an ESTA or visa before boarding
- An ESTA allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days per visit (multiple entries)
- An ESTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires
What if I need a visa to enter the US?
If you’re not from a country in the visa waiver program, you’re required to apply for a US tourist visa. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining one:
- Start by completing the DS-160 form U.S. Department of State's website
- To submit the form and apply for a visa, you’re required to pay $185
- You will also be asked to choose a time slot for a visa interview at your nearest US embassy
- Wait times vary depending on the location, season, and workload, so apply in plenty of time to guarantee availability
- Be prepared to provide all the necessary documents that prove your intentions for visiting the US and ties that require your return home at the interview
- Your visa will be approved or denied directly after the interview, and if approved, the US embassy will keep your passport, add a US B-2 visa, and return it to your address by post within a few weeks of your embassy visit.
Visa & Entry Requirements for Canada
What is an eTA, and how do I get one?
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a stamp of approval from the Canadian government that allows one to travel to Canada by air for up to 180 days without having to obtain a visa. As of July 2025, there are over 50 countries eligible for an eTA, including most European countries. Check here to see if you’re from a visa-exempt country. If you’re from a visa-required country, you may still be eligible to enter Canada with an eTA if you have held a Canadian visitor’s visa in the last 10 years. If you’re from the USA, you’re free to travel to Canada without obtaining an eTA or a visa. If you’re eligible to apply, here’s what you need to know:
- It costs $7 CAD to apply for the eTA
- Approval is not guaranteed, in which case you’ll have to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- The application is usually approved within a few minutes of submitting, but’s best to apply 72 hours before flying incase additional documents are requested
- Airlines check for an eTA or visa before boarding
- An eTA allows visitors to stay for up to 180 days per visit
- An eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires
Important to note: eTAs are only needed for air travel. If you’re crossing into Canada by car or train from the US, visitors from visa-exempt countries are not required to present an eTA to border control.
What if I need a visa to enter Canada?
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’re required to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Here’s what you need to know about obtaining one:
- Start by creating an account on the official Canadian immigration site
- Gather the required documents to prove your intentions for visiting Canada and ties that require your return home
- Submit the online visa request form and pay the processing fee of $100 CAD
- Select nationalities are also required to submit biometrics, which costs an additional $85 CAD
- Wait times vary depending on the location, season, and workload, so allow between 2-8 weeks for approval
- If your visa has been approved, you’ll be requested to post your passport to the Canadian embassy for visa stamping, and it will be returned by post (timelines differ from country to country, but the passport stamping process can take between 10 and 20 working days
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Visa & Entry Requirements for Mexico
What is a Forma Migratoria Múltiple, and how do I obtain one?
A Forma Migratoria Múltiple (multiple entry tourist card) is a stamp of approval from the Mexican government that allows visitors from visa-exempt countries to travel to Mexico via land or air for up to 180 days without having to obtain a visa. As of July 2025, there are over 65 countries eligible for an FMM, including the US, Canada, and most European countries. Check here to see if you’re from a visa-exempt country.. If you’re eligible to apply, here’s what you need to know:
- Unlike the US and Canada, Mexico doesn’t require visitors to obtain the FMM before traveling
- If traveling by plane, an immigration officer will ask you to fill in an FMM form on the plane or at airport border control, and issue you with a paper receipt to keep as proof of legal entry during your travels in Mexico
- If traveling to Mexico by land, you u must stop at a Mexican immigration office at the border to get your FMM
- If you’re staying in Mexico for more than 7 days, the FMM costs $40 USD. The fee is usually included in the cost of flights to Mexico, but land travelers must pay the fee at the border
What if I need a visa to enter Mexico?
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’re required to apply for a Mexican Visitor Visa. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining one:
- Start by checking the visa requirements of your nearest Mexican consulate
- Be prepared to provide all the necessary documents that prove your intentions for visiting the US and ties that require your return home at the interview
- Schedule a visa interview at your nearest Mexican consulate
- Wait times vary depending on the location, season, and workload, so apply in plenty of time to guarantee availability
- Attend your visa interview, where you’ll likely be told if your visa is approved
- If approved, the embassy will keep your passport to process your visa, which can take up to 10 working days
- After the approval process is complete, your passport will be stamped and returned within a few weeks of your embassy visit
Important to note: Visitors traveling to Mexico from visa-required countries must also ensure they provide an FMM at the border.
The requirements for traveling to and between Canada, the USA, and Mexico
Getting Around: The Best Ways to Travel Between Cities
With 104 matches across 16 cities, travel planning might feel like an overwhelming task. Luckily, we’re here to share the tips and strategies you’ll need to help streamline travel whilst match-hopping via air, rail, and road.
Traveling to the World Cup 2026 by Air
Utilize key airline partnerships
We recommend flying with Qatar Airways for international flights and American Airlines for domestic flights to benefit from the best flight routes and travel deals. Here’s why:
- Qatar Airways will serve as FIFA’s Global Airline Partner, with prize-inclusive travel packages covering international flights and connections into the region.
- American Airlines will be the Official North American Airline Supplier, managing domestic connectivity between all 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Book early or wait for promo windows
Prices will surge from late 2025 once match schedules and knockout venues are finalized. Book initial multi-city legs early (between Aug–Dec 2025) and add new flights or segments later.
Have a placeholder return flight
Since you may want to extend your trip if your team advances, book a refundable or changeable return flight. Airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United allow free changes on main cabin tickets (though fare difference applies).
Traveling to the World Cup 2026 by Train
Train travel can be a scenic way to see North America whilst cheering on your favorite teams at the World Cup. However, bear in mind that not all host cities are accessible via rail, and the ones that are might not have a train schedule that aligns with match times. That’s not to say it’s not possible! In fact, for some matches, particularly in the Northeast Corridor, train travel is the most efficient way to get from A to B. To help you navigate the possibilities of train travel during the World Cup 2026, we have compiled a list of the most accessible host cities by train and summarized the possible routes.
Traveling to the World Cup 2026 by Road
For most matches, renting a car and driving from A to B might be the easiest and most practical solution. Not only does it save you the time and hassle of checking into airports, but it also gives you the freedom to match-hop on your own terms. What’s more, navigating the scenic North American roads adds a greater sense of beauty and adventure to your trip. Here is a summary of the route options that are viable for road travel according to distance and match schedules:
Drivable Host‑City Clusters
Border crossings during the World Cup 2026
What to expect when crossing borders between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Security and Customs: On arrival, expect an immigration document check, possible questions about your trip, and random luggage inspections.
COVID-19 & Health Requirements: Although COVID isn’t considered a global threat right now, regulations are still prone to change; always check current vaccine, testing, or quarantine rules.
Land border documentation: A Passport is required for border crossing. Travelers may also need proof of vehicle registration, insurance, and driver's license.
Border Crossing Process: Be sure to declare any goods, large amounts of currency, or restricted items. Border agents will ask about your travel purpose, duration, and accommodations. Be prepared for vehicle inspections, which may include opening your trunk or vehicle.
Border crossing wait times & hours: Border wait times can vary widely, especially at busy crossings like San Ysidro (US–Mexico) or Blaine (US–Canada). Some crossings operate 24/7 while others have limited hours. Use apps or websites like ‘CBP Border Wait Times’ to check live border wait times.
Car Insurance & Fees: Mexican car insurance is mandatory and must be purchased at the US-Mexico border because US or Canada auto insurance generally doesn’t cover Mexico. Bear in mind, some crossings may charge tolls or require permits.
