The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history: 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 cities across three countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the USA alone will host 78 matches, including all quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For international fans, that means incredible excitement — but also some important questions about entering the country.

The USA has tightened its entry rules in 2026. Proposed new ESTA requirements, potential social media screening, expanded phone searches at the border, and a broadened travel ban covering citizens of 39 countries have created uncertainty. This guide explains step by step what you, as an international World Cup fan, actually need — and what you don’t.

Do You Need a Visa? Understanding the Visa Waiver Program

The good news first: 42 countries participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you do not need a traditional visa to enter the United States for stays up to 90 days. Instead, you apply for an electronic travel authorization — the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

Full list of Visa Waiver Program countries (2026):

If your country is on this list, ESTA is all you need for the World Cup. If your country is not listed, you will need a B1/B2 visitor visa — which requires an in-person interview at a US embassy.

ESTA vs. B1/B2 Visa: Which One Do You Need?

The tournament lasts 39 days — well within the 90-day ESTA limit. ESTA is enough for any VWP citizen who has no prior issues with US immigration.

How to Apply for ESTA: Step by Step

The ESTA application is straightforward — as long as you use the official website. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Go to the official CBP website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Step 2: Click “New Application” and select “Individual Application”

Step 3: Enter your personal details — name (exactly as in your passport), date of birth, passport number, and nationality

Step 4: Answer the security/eligibility questions (criminal history, prior entry denials, etc.) — answer honestly

Step 5: Provide a US contact address (your hotel name is sufficient)

Step 6: Pay the $21 fee via credit card or PayPal and wait for approval

New ESTA Rules 2026: What’s Changing

The US government proposed sweeping changes to the ESTA application in December 2025. Here is the current status as of April 2026:

Proposed Changes (Not Yet in Effect)

• Social media disclosure: ESTA applicants would need to provide all social media accounts from the past 5 years (usernames, not passwords)
• Phone numbers: All phone numbers used in the past 5 years
• Email addresses: All email addresses used in the past 10 years
• Biometric selfie: A live photo would become part of the application
• Family contacts: Contact details of close family members

What has already changed: the ESTA processing time has been extended from 24 hours to up to 72 hours. Plan accordingly.

ESTA Website Being Retired

CBP also plans to retire the ESTA website. Future applications would be processed exclusively through the ESTA Mobile App. The exact timeline for this transition has not been confirmed. For the World Cup, we recommend: download the app as a precaution, but for now, still apply via the website.

When You Need a B1/B2 Visa Instead of ESTA

Even if you hold a VWP country passport, certain circumstances mean you cannot use ESTA and must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa instead:

• Your ESTA was previously denied
• You have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, or North Korea since March 2011
• You have a criminal record or were previously deported from the US
• You overstayed the 90-day limit on a previous visit
• You hold dual nationality with one of the countries listed above

This is particularly relevant for fans from the UK, France, and Australia, where significant diaspora populations hold dual nationality with restricted countries. If in doubt, check your eligibility before booking flights.

If you need a B1/B2 visa, you will need a flight booking confirmation and a hotel booking proof for your embassy interview. Both are available free at MyJet24: Flight Booking (Dummy Ticket) and Hotel Booking Proof. For the full B1/B2 process, read our complete US visa guide.

FIFA PASS: What It Is and Whether You Need It

FIFA and the US State Department have jointly introduced the FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System). It sounds important — but most VWP citizens do not need it.

What FIFA PASS does: It allows World Cup ticket holders who need a B1/B2 visa to book a priority interview slot at the US embassy. It is not a special visa and not an entry guarantee — just interview priority.

For VWP country fans: Since you use ESTA, you need no embassy interview and therefore no FIFA PASS. It is only relevant if you need a B1/B2 visa for one of the reasons listed above.

Proof of Onward Travel: Why You Need a Dummy Ticket

This is where it gets practical for World Cup travelers. The Visa Waiver Program requires that you can show a return or onward flight. This is checked at two points:

• At the check-in counter: Airlines can deny you boarding if you cannot prove onward travel. The carrier is liable if a passenger is turned away at the US border.
• At US immigration: CBP officers can ask for your return flight details — based on traveler reports, this happens in roughly 1 in 10 entries.

A real experience: At Copenhagen Airport, a traveler heading to Los Angeles was denied boarding because she had no return flight. The airline agent said: “I’m sorry, I can’t board you today without proof of onward travel.” A dummy ticket would have prevented this in 30 seconds.

Not sure if a dummy ticket is the right choice? Read our detailed comparison: Dummy Ticket vs. Refundable Flight. And in our Proof of Onward Travel guide, you’ll find which countries worldwide require one.

Hotel Booking Proof: Do You Need One for the USA?

For ESTA entry, there is no legal requirement to show a paid hotel reservation. However:

• You must provide a US address on the Advance Passenger Information (API) form before boarding — a hotel name is sufficient
• CBP officers may ask about your accommodation, especially if they have concerns about your travel purpose
• For a B1/B2 visa interview, consular officers almost always expect a hotel reservation

During the World Cup, hotels in host cities will be scarce and expensive. If you haven’t secured accommodation yet, create a Hotel Booking Proof at MyJet24 — a professional document for immigration without needing to prepay. Read more in our guide: Hotel Booking for Visa Applications.

All 11 US Stadium Venues for the 2026 World Cup

The 78 US-hosted matches — including all knockout rounds and the final — take place across these 11 venues:

Additionally, 5 venues are in Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) and Canada (Vancouver, Toronto). The opening match takes place on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York.

What Happens at the US Airport: The Entry Process

Here is what a typical US arrival looks like:

1. Automated Passport Control (APC) Kiosk: You scan your passport, take a photo, and answer customs declaration questions at a self-service terminal. ESTA holders from VWP countries can use the APC kiosks.

2. CBP Officer: A border officer reviews your passport and APC receipt. They may ask: How long are you staying? Where will you be staying? What is the purpose of your visit? Do you have a return flight?

3. Fingerprints & Photo: All 10 fingerprints and a facial photo are captured digitally.

4. Baggage & Customs: Collect your luggage and pass through customs.

Important: Even with a valid ESTA, a CBP officer can deny you entry. ESTA is a travel authorization, not an entry guarantee. The final decision always rests with the officer at the airport. Be polite, answer questions clearly and briefly, and have all documents ready.

Phone Searches at the US Border: What You Need to Know

A topic that concerns many World Cup travelers: CBP officers may search electronic devices at the border — phones, laptops, and tablets. This is not a new law, but was clarified in early 2026 through the updated Directive 3340-049B:

• Basic search: An officer can scroll through your phone — without specific suspicion and without supervisor approval
• Advanced search: Deeper analysis using forensic tools requires supervisor approval and “reasonable suspicion”
• Refusal: You can refuse the search — but entry may be denied as a result

The Travel Ban: Which Nationalities Are Affected?

The expanded travel ban (Presidential Proclamation 10998), effective since January 1, 2026, restricts entry for citizens of 39 countries. No Visa Waiver Program country is on this list — so if you hold a passport from any of the 42 VWP countries, you are not directly affected.

Countries affected by the expanded travel ban include:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Central African Republic, Chad, China (mainland), Colombia, Cuba, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

If you are traveling with friends or family who hold passports from banned countries, they will need to apply for a B1/B2 visa with a waiver — a process that takes significantly longer. Plan accordingly.

Travel Insurance: Not Required, But Essential

The USA does not require travel insurance for entry. However, it would be irresponsible to travel without one. A hospital visit in the US can easily cost five figures — even a basic emergency room treatment often runs $3,000–$5,000.

What your insurance should cover:

• Medical repatriation to your home country
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment (at least $500,000 / £400,000 / €500,000 coverage for the USA)
• Emergency dental care
• Trip cancellation insurance (in case your World Cup tickets or flights need to be cancelled)

Many credit cards include basic travel insurance — check your card benefits before purchasing a separate policy. For more details, see our Travel Insurance Guide for Visa Applications.

Your World Cup 2026 Entry Checklist

Everything at a glance — save this checklist on your phone or print it out:

For the complete visa document checklist (not just World Cup), check our Visa Application Checklist 2026.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Attending Games in Mexico & Canada: Additional Entry Requirements

If you also want to attend matches in Mexico or Canada, you will need separate entry documents for each country:

• Mexico: Citizens of most VWP countries do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days. You must fill out an electronic entry card (SAM) before travel.
• Canada: Citizens of many VWP countries (including the UK, Australia, Japan, and all EU countries) need a Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — similar to ESTA, costs $7 CAD, applied for online.

Entry requirements vary by nationality. Use our Visa Checker to find the exact requirements for your passport. For all three countries, you’ll need separate proof of onward travel.

Returning Home: EES and ETIAS for European Travelers

If you are traveling through Europe on your way home (or if you are a non-EU citizen returning through the Schengen Area), be aware: the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been active since October 2025. Biometric data is now captured digitally at Schengen borders. Learn more in our EES Guide.

Additionally, the EU is planning the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for Q4 2026. If you are a citizen of a visa-free non-EU country (e.g., the UK, USA, Australia, Japan), ETIAS may be active by the time you return from the World Cup. Full details in our ETIAS Complete Guide 2026.

Conclusion: How to Get to the 2026 World Cup Stress-Free

Entering the USA for the World Cup is entirely manageable — if you prepare in advance. Here’s the summary:

• ESTA is enough for citizens of all 42 VWP countries ($21, online, no interview)
• Proof of onward travel is required — create a free Dummy Ticket
• US address is needed at boarding — get a Hotel Booking Proof
• Travel insurance is not legally required but absolutely essential (US healthcare costs!)
• Travel ban does not affect VWP citizens (but watch out for dual nationality)