World Cup 2026: Entry, visas and ESTA for the USA, Canada and Mexico

The 2026 FIFA World Cup not only sets new standards in sport, it also places special demands on travel planning. For the first time, the World Cup is being held across three host nations: the USA, Canada and Mexico. Different entry requirements, visa regulations and registration procedures apply to fans, national teams, coaching staff and officials. Whether it's ESTA for the USA, eTA for Canada or the entry procedure for Mexico – the requirements vary considerably depending on your destination and nationality. Anyone wishing to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup live or cover the event for work should familiarise themselves well in advance with the applicable visa regulations, electronic travel authorisations and national requirements. This article provides an overview of the key entry requirements for fans, players, support staff and officials in the three host countries. 

World Cup 2026: Entry requirements for fans travelling to the USA, Canada and Mexico 

Fans will generally be entering the country for tourism purposes and must observe the following rules, depending on their nationality.

• USA: German nationals and other visa-exempt nationals can usually enter the country via the Visa Waiver Program with prior ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This involves a digital pre-departure check which must be applied for online before travel. The application must be completed at Official ESTA Application Website.  
• Canada: Germans and people from many other countries can enter Canada for tourism purposes without a visa. However, if entering the country by air, it is necessary to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA – electronic Travel Authorization) online in advance via Home.
• Mexico: Here, too, fans can often enter the country without a visa. When entering the country by land, the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card must be filled out. This can be done in advance online at Instituto Nacional de Migración - Forma Migratoria Múltiple. When entering the country by air, the relevant documentation is checked by a border official or via an e-gate.

What all these instruments have in common is that they replace a traditional visa, while at the same time requiring pre-travel checks and registration. The effort and costs involved can be significantly higher depending on nationality, for example if a proper visa is required instead of just having to register.

Visas and entry requirements for teams, players and officials at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) accreditations do not replace a visa. For national teams, coaching staff and officials, travelling to the 2026 World Cup is far more than just an organisational matter. The key point is to classify the activity in question correctly in accordance with the visa regulations.

• In the US, players are usually issued a P-1A visa for athletes, which can also be applied for as a group visa for the entire team, including substitute players. A P-1S visa is for essential team and support staff (coaches, medical staff, etc.) of top international athletes or teams holding a P-1A visa. The US government has relaxed the rules for referees and officials for the World Cup. Some members of this group may enter the country on a B-1 visa (for business purposes) or, if they are citizens of certain countries, even visa-free via ESTA. Personal factors such as previous offences, overstaying the permitted length of stay, certain criminal records and travel histories relevant to security play a major role when entering the USA. The problem is that these factors affect individual players and team members on a personal level and, in extreme cases, can lead to them being refused entry.
• In Canada, players, support staff and officials do not require a work visa to enter the country for the World Cup. Due to special regulations governing international sporting events, they can apply for the aforementioned electronic Travel Authorization eTA or a visitor's visa, depending on their nationality.
• In Mexico, too, teams are allowed to enter the country without a work visa for the duration of the World Cup. Like the fans, they are simply required to go through a registration process. The relevant provisions for international sporting events apply by analogy. 
• Anyone combining the World Cup with a business trip should also remember to notify the relevant German health or pension insurance carrier. They have a registration procedure which is similar to the procedure for the A1 certificate.

World Cup 2026: Planning visa and entry requirements well in advance helps avoid risks

In conclusion, it can be stated that: Early planning is essential. If you keep an eye on the relevant entry requirements, you’ll avoid nasty surprises just before kick-off.

A word about us

The issues discussed here relate to the right of residence for foreign nationals. We draw on our extensive international network of specialist law firms to ensure that the advice we provide on outbound matters is legally sound.