Last Updated On 11 June 2026, 6:11 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is now underway, with matches running from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
This is the first time Canada has ever co-hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.
A total of 48 national teams will compete in 104 matches across 16 host cities in North America over 39 days.
Canada will host 13 of those matches at two stadiums in Toronto and Vancouver between June 12 and July 7.
Millions of fans are expected to travel across borders during the tournament, and Canada’s immigration and border agencies have issued detailed guidance for visitors.
This guide covers everything fans, visitors, newcomers, and Canadians need to know about visas, entry documents, border crossings, transit, safety, scams, and match-day planning.
Whether you are flying to Toronto, crossing by car from the United States, or planning to attend matches in all three host countries, this is the travel resource you need.
Table of Contents
FIFA World Cup 2026 Dates and Canada’s Role as Host
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, making it the longest and largest FIFA World Cup in history.
Mexico hosts the opening match on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Canada, the United States, and Mexico all automatically qualified as co-host nations.
Canada is placed in Group B alongside Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar.
All three of Canada’s group-stage matches will be played on Canadian soil, starting in Toronto and continuing in Vancouver.
This is a historic moment for Canadian soccer and a major opportunity for the immigration system to showcase its capacity to the world.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and Locations
Toronto
Toronto Stadium, the FIFA tournament name for BMO Field, is located at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.
The venue has undergone a $146 million renovation to increase its tournament capacity to 44,315 seats.
Toronto will host six matches from June 12 to July 2, including five group-stage fixtures and one Round of 32 knockout match.
Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina takes place at BMO Field on June 12 at 3:00 PM ET.
The FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto will operate at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway from June 11 to July 19.
A digital ticket is required for entry to the Fan Festival, and no tickets are available on-site.
Up to 20,000 fans can attend the Fan Festival on operational days, and admission requires advance registration.
Toronto Match Schedule at BMO Field
| Date | Match | Stage | Kickoff (ET) |
| June 12 | Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | Group B | 3:00 PM ET |
| June 17 | Ghana vs Panama | Group L | 7:00 PM ET |
| June 20 | Germany vs Ivory Coast | Group E | 4:00 PM ET |
| June 23 | Panama vs Croatia | Group L | 7:00 PM ET |
| June 26 | Senegal vs Iraq | Group I | 3:00 PM ET |
| July 2 | Round of 32 Match | Knockout | 7:00 PM ET |
Vancouver
BC Place in downtown Vancouver will host seven FIFA World Cup matches from June 13 to July 7.
BC Place seats 54,500 fans and features a retractable roof, making it the only weather-proof World Cup venue in Canada.
Vancouver will host five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture, and one Round of 16 knockout match.
Canada plays two group-stage matches in Vancouver: against Qatar on June 18 and against Switzerland on June 24.
The FIFA Fan Festival in Vancouver will take place at Hastings Park (PNE Grounds) with free general admission on match days.
TransLink will increase SkyTrain and bus service during the tournament, and Stadium-Chinatown station is a two-minute walk from BC Place.
Vancouver Match Schedule at BC Place
| Date | Match | Stage | Kickoff (PT) |
| June 13 | Australia vs Türkiye | Group D | 9:00 PM PT |
| June 18 | Canada vs Qatar | Group B | 3:00 PM PT |
| June 21 | New Zealand vs Egypt | Group G | 6:00 PM PT |
| June 24 | Canada vs Switzerland | Group B | 12:00 PM PT |
| June 26 | New Zealand vs Belgium | Group G | 8:00 PM PT |
| July 2 | Round of 32 Match | Knockout | 8:00 PM PT |
| July 7 | Round of 16 Match | Knockout | 1:00 PM PT |
What Fans Need Before Travelling to Canada
Every international visitor must have the correct travel documents ready well before departure.
The type of document you need depends on your citizenship and how you plan to travel to Canada.
IRCC has published a dedicated help page confirming that standard tourist entry rules apply to all World Cup fans.
Visit the official IRCC page for full details: What do I need to enter Canada as a visitor for the FIFA World Cup 26?
You do not need a FIFA match ticket to apply for a visitor visa or eTA, and IRCC reviews each application independently.
Fans from visa-required countries should apply as early as possible, as visitor visa processing times can range from two weeks to several months depending on the country.
Visitor Visa, eTA, Passport, and Entry Documents
Most travellers need either a visitor visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries typically need an eTA, which costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes.
Citizens of visa-required countries must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through an online application or at a Visa Application Centre.
United States citizens and U.S. permanent residents do not need a visa or eTA but must carry valid identification.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada.
IRCC encourages applicants to clearly indicate that their travel is related to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in their application.
Canada Entry Document Comparison for FIFA World Cup Fans
| Document | Who Needs It | Cost | Processing Time |
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | Visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada | CAD $7 | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | Visa-required nationals | CAD $100 | 2 weeks to 6+ months |
| No visa or eTA needed | U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents | N/A | N/A |
| Visa-exempt by land | Visa-exempt nationals entering by land | No eTA required by land | N/A |
Some travellers from eligible visa-required countries may qualify for an eTA instead of a full visa under Canada’s eTA expansion rules.
Always apply through the official Government of Canada website and avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
No Special FIFA Visa for Ordinary Fans
Canada has not created a dedicated FIFA visa or fast-track immigration lane for World Cup ticket holders.
Fans enter Canada under the standard tourist regime using an eTA, visitor visa, or visa-free entry depending on nationality.
There is no unified World Cup visa that covers all three host countries.
Each country maintains its own immigration rules, and entry approval for the United States does not automatically allow entry into Canada or Mexico.
Canada has published special guidance only for FIFA-invited personnel, including players, referees, officials, media, and volunteers directly invited by FIFA.
These limited exemptions do not apply to ordinary fans, tourists, or self-organized volunteers.
Any website or agent claiming to offer a special World Cup visa or guaranteed fast-track entry is operating a scam.
A Match Ticket Does Not Guarantee Entry Into Canada
The CBSA has specifically warned that a FIFA World Cup ticket is not a ticket into the country.
Possessing a match ticket does not guarantee that your visa or eTA application will be approved.
IRCC reviews every application on its own merit, regardless of whether the applicant holds a match ticket.
Even with an approved visa or eTA, a border officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether to admit you.
You may be asked about the purpose of your trip, your accommodation plans, your return ticket, and your financial means.
Be prepared to show proof of your itinerary, hotel bookings, and ties to your home country if requested.
Fans should never assume that a ticket alone is sufficient to enter any of the three host countries.
Rules for Re-Entering Canada After Visiting the U.S. or Mexico
Many fans will attend matches in multiple host countries during the tournament.
If you leave Canada to watch a match in the United States or Mexico, you will need to go through Canadian immigration again when you return.
Your ability to re-enter Canada depends on your immigration status and the validity of your travel documents.
Visitors with a single-entry visa generally need a new visa if they leave Canada and want to return.
However, IRCC says they may be able to return on the original single-entry visa if they only visited the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon and return before the end of their approved stay. This exception does not automatically cover trips to Mexico.
Holders of a valid multiple-entry visa or a valid eTA can generally re-enter Canada by air without a new application.
Temporary residents, international students, and workers should confirm that their permits and documents remain valid before leaving the country.
Leaving Canada while a pending application is under review could complicate your immigration status upon return.
Check your specific situation with an immigration consultant before planning cross-border travel during the tournament.
Guidance for Canadians Travelling to U.S. and Mexico Matches
The Government of Canada has published dedicated travel advice pages for Canadians attending matches in the United States and Mexico.
Review the full advisory: Advice for Canadians travelling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Review the full advisory: Advice for Canadians travelling to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Canadian citizens travelling to the United States by air must carry a valid Canadian passport.
If driving to the U.S., a valid passport, a NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver’s License is accepted.
Canadians can usually stay in the United States for up to six months without a visa.
For Mexico, Canadians need a valid passport and must complete a Digital Migration Form upon arrival.
Travel.gc.ca warns that travel between the Mexico-U.S. border should be made by air due to criminal activity and violence in border areas.
Cannabis cannot be transported across the Canada-U.S. border, even if you hold a medical authorization in Canada.
Canadians with a criminal record should verify their admissibility to the United States, as even minor DUI convictions can result in entry refusal at the U.S. border.
Register your trip with the Government of Canada and keep copies of your passport identification page in a separate location.
Border Wait Times and CBSA Travel Tips
The CBSA has released specific travel tips for fans arriving in both Toronto and Vancouver.
Full guidance is available at CBSA shares tips on travelling to Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Game days will mean increased traffic at land border crossings, and the CBSA recommends checking border wait times before departing.
Fans driving into Canada should consider travelling during early morning hours and using alternative ports of entry when possible.
The CBSA Advance Declaration feature allows travellers to complete customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arriving at a Canadian airport.
Advance Declaration is available at 10 of Canada’s international airports, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International Airport.
FIFA-accredited travellers should have their accreditation letter ready for the border officer upon arrival.
Travellers carrying CAD $10,000 or more must declare it at the border, though there is no restriction on the amount.
Certain foods, including some meats, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, are prohibited from entering Canada.
The CBSA strongly advises against travelling with firearms into Canada.
Fans should also be aware of Canada’s alcohol and tobacco personal exemption limits when crossing the border.
Airport, Land Border, and Public Transit Reminders
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
Use the CATSA “What Can I Bring?” tool online to check whether your items belong in carry-on or checked baggage.
Private or charter aircraft must land at an approved airport of entry during CBSA business hours.
All travellers entering Canada by boat or private watercraft must report to the CBSA without delay.
Toronto Transit
There is no public parking available at Toronto Stadium, Exhibition Place, or surrounding neighbourhoods, including Liberty Village and Fort York.
The TTC is running enhanced streetcar service on the 504 King, 509 Harbourfront, and 511 Bathurst routes every five minutes on match days.
The 29 Dufferin and 829 Dufferin Gate Express buses will operate in dedicated rapid transit lanes from Dufferin Station to the stadium.
Fleet Hub on Fleet Street between Strachan Avenue and Fort York Boulevard serves as the main transit connection point for both the stadium and Fan Festival.
GO Transit is running Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East trains every 15 minutes with late-night service after matches.
Vehicle-for-hire pickup and drop-off will be limited to designated areas outside the restricted zones around the stadium.
Vancouver Transit
BC Place is accessible via SkyTrain at Stadium-Chinatown station, which is a two-minute walk from the venue.
TransLink will increase SkyTrain, bus, and SeaBus service during the tournament.
The FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park is accessible by bus from the PNE/Renfrew area.
There will be designated taxi and rideshare pickup and drop-off lots near the venues.
Both cities are urging residents and visitors to use public transit, walk, or cycle instead of driving.
Fan Festivals, City Crowds, Hotel Bookings, and Local Transport Planning
Between Toronto and Vancouver, an estimated 650,000 visitors are expected to arrive during the tournament.
Toronto’s stadium can host over 45,000 spectators per match, and the FIFA Fan Festival can accommodate up to 20,000 people per day.
Hotel demand in both cities is expected to surge during the tournament, especially on match days and weekends.
Book accommodation as early as possible, as downtown Toronto and central Vancouver hotels will see significant price increases.
The Government of Canada has noted that its consular offices cannot assist with finding accommodation in host cities.
Consider staying in surrounding cities and using regional transit to reach the stadiums.
In Toronto, cities like Mississauga, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls are accessible via GO Transit connections and offer more affordable lodging options.
In Vancouver, consider accommodation in Burnaby, Richmond, or North Vancouver with easy SkyTrain access.
Pride Toronto will also take place during the tournament, creating overlapping crowds in the downtown core.
Plan extra travel time for every outing during the tournament, whether heading to a match or simply moving through the city.
Travel Insurance, Health, Weather, Heat, Food, Water, and Emergency Tips
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors, as medical care in Canada is expensive for non-residents.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has published a travel health notice for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entering Canada, but visitors should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Summer weather in Toronto and Vancouver ranges from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius (60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit) in June and July.
Toronto tends to be warmer and more humid, while Vancouver is milder with a higher chance of evening rain.
Pack layers, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket, especially for evening matches in Vancouver.
Tap water is safe to drink across Canada, and you can refill water bottles freely at public fountains and venues.
Heat exhaustion is a risk during daytime outdoor events, so stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol, and seek shade when possible.
If you become ill after returning home or while still in Canada, contact a healthcare provider and mention your travel history.
Dial 911 for all emergencies in Canada, including police, fire, and ambulance services.
Visitors should also understand how Canada’s healthcare system works for non-residents before arriving.
Scam Warnings: Fake FIFA Tickets, Visas, Travel Packages, and Phishing Messages
The FBI, Recorded Future, Group-IB, and multiple cybersecurity firms have issued formal warnings about World Cup-related fraud.
Over 4,300 fake FIFA-related domains have been identified, many already active and harvesting credentials from unsuspecting fans.
Ticket fraud is the most common scam, with AI-generated confirmation emails and deepfake customer support agents mimicking official communications.
Legitimate FIFA tickets are delivered digitally through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 app and are never sold as printed PDFs or screenshots.
On Location is FIFA’s only authorized hospitality provider, and any offer not traceable to them or their published sales agents may be fraudulent.
Toronto police have announced the largest seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history ahead of the tournament.
Some scam operations claim to offer expedited World Cup visas or special FIFA-approved immigration fast-track services.
There is no guaranteed expedited visa program tied to match attendance in any of the three host countries.
Meta has added warning pop-ups for users searching Facebook for FIFA tickets and has partnered with Visa to take down fraudulent networks.
Never pay for tickets or travel packages using wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Always verify domain authenticity before entering personal information, and report suspected scams to the FBI’s IC3 portal or local police.
Newcomers unfamiliar with Canadian scam tactics should review common immigration fraud warning signs before making any purchases.
Clear Checklist Before Match Day
Pre-Travel and Match Day Checklist
| ✓ | Item |
| □ | Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity for the duration of your stay |
| □ | Approved eTA confirmation, visitor visa, or proof of visa-exempt status |
| □ | Digital FIFA match ticket loaded in the official FIFA World Cup 2026 app |
| □ | Digital Fan Festival ticket (required for entry in Toronto; free registration required) |
| □ | Proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay |
| □ | Return or onward travel ticket |
| □ | Travel health insurance policy documents |
| □ | Copies of your passport identification page stored separately from the original |
| □ | Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit cards) |
| □ | CBSA Advance Declaration completed up to 72 hours before arrival (for air travellers) |
| □ | Local transit plan: TTC/GO for Toronto, SkyTrain/TransLink for Vancouver |
| □ | Stadium clear bag (12 x 6 x 12 inches maximum) with no backpacks |
| □ | Weather-appropriate clothing: layers, rain jacket, sunscreen, hat |
| □ | Phone with offline maps, emergency contacts, and consular numbers saved |
| □ | Awareness of prohibited items: no firearms, restricted food, no cannabis across borders |
Official Government and FIFA Resources
The following official pages contain authoritative, up-to-date information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 travellers.
| Resource | Official URL |
| IRCC: What do I need to enter Canada for the FIFA World Cup 26? | https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1669&top=40 |
| Canada. ca: Information for fans and travellers | https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/soccer-2026/information-fans-travellers.html |
| CBSA: Tips on travelling to Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026 | https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2026/05/the-cbsa-shares-tips-on-travelling-to-canada-for-fifa-world-cup-2026.html |
| Travel.gc.ca: Advice for Canadians travelling to the United States | https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/campaigns/soccer-2026-united-states |
| Travel.gc.ca: Advice for Canadians travelling to Mexico | https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/campaigns/soccer-2026-mexico |
| Travel.gc.ca: FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Health Notice | https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/544 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a special visa to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Canada?
No, Canada has not created a special FIFA visa for fans. You enter under the standard tourist regime using either an eTA, a visitor visa (TRV), or visa-free status depending on your citizenship. Apply through the official Government of Canada website as early as possible.
Does a FIFA World Cup match ticket guarantee entry into Canada?
No, the CBSA has confirmed that a FIFA World Cup ticket is not a ticket into the country. You must meet all standard immigration requirements, and a border officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on admission regardless of whether you hold a match ticket.
Can I travel between Canada, the United States, and Mexico on one visa during the World Cup?
No, there is no unified World Cup visa across the three host countries. Each country has its own entry requirements. You may need separate documents for each country, such as a Canadian eTA, a U.S. ESTA or visa, and a Mexican immigration form. Check the requirements for every country on your itinerary before booking travel.
What documents do Canadians need to travel to the United States or Mexico for World Cup matches?
Canadians need a valid passport to fly to the United States. If driving, a passport, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver’s License is accepted. For Mexico, Canadians need a valid passport and must complete a Digital Migration Form. Cannabis cannot be taken across any international border. Register your trip with the Government of Canada before departing.
How do I avoid FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket scams and travel fraud?
Only purchase tickets through the official FIFA ticketing platform or authorized resellers listed on FIFA’s website. Legitimate tickets are delivered digitally through the FIFA World Cup 2026 app. Never pay with wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Verify website domain authenticity before entering personal data. Report suspected fraud to local police or the FBI’s IC3 portal.
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