Canada will host 13 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between June 11 and July 19, 2026. The matches will take place in Toronto and Vancouver, bringing fans, workers, and volunteers from around the world.
So, if you are planning to travel to Canada for the FIFA World Cup, whether to watch matches, volunteer, or work, it is important to check early if you need permission to enter the country.
Foreign nationals may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Some people may also need a work permit, depending on what they plan to do during the event. What you need depends on your citizenship, how you travel to Canada (air, land, or sea), and your reason for travel.
To make things easier, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also launched a special webpage for people coming to Canada temporarily for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Below is a visa and work permits guide for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada that will help you understand what you may need.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Visiting Canada For The FIFA World Cup 2026 As A Fan
If you are coming to Canada to watch FIFA World Cup matches, you may need either a visitor visa or an eTA.
What you need depends on:
- Your citizenship; and
- How you plan to enter Canada (by air, land, or sea).
A visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa, is a document placed in your passport. It allows people from visa-required countries to enter Canada for a short stay.
On the other hand, an eTA is an electronic travel document. It is required for visa-exempt travellers who fly to Canada. The eTA is digitally linked to your passport.
In most cases, visitor visas take longer to process than eTAs. Visitor visas may take weeks or even months, while eTAs are often approved in minutes or days. Because of this, IRCC strongly advises travellers to apply as early as possible.
If you are a US citizen, a US green card holder, or a French citizen living in and travelling directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon, you do not need a visitor visa or an eTA. You only need valid travel documents, such as:
- A valid passport; and
- A valid green card or proof of status (for US permanent residents).
It is important to note that you do not need a FIFA match ticket to apply for a visitor visa or an eTA. Also, having a match ticket does not guarantee approval of your application.
Mentioning FIFA World Cup Travel In Your Application
If you are travelling to Canada specifically to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026, IRCC encourages you to mention this in your application.
eTA applicants can write “FIFA World Cup 26” in the Background Questions section.
Moreover, visitor visa applicants can include the same wording in the Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada section.
This information is collected only for tracking purposes. It does not give faster processing or special treatment, and it does not change the decision on your application.
Working Or Volunteering At The FIFA World Cup 2026
Some people coming to Canada for the FIFA World Cup do not need a work permit. These groups include:
- Players And Match Staff: This encompasses FIFA players, team personnel, referees, and match staff.
- Media And Broadcast Personnel Covering The Event: This encompasses any media or broadcast staff who have been invited to work at the FIFA World Cup.
- FIFA-Invited Volunteers: This encompasses volunteers who have been invited by FIFA to volunteer at a FIFA-organized event. You must have received information directly from FIFA.
- FIFA-Invited Workers: This includes anyone who has been invited by FIFA to work at an official FIFA-organized event. You must have received information directly from FIFA.
Even if you are exempt from needing a work permit, you may still need a visitor visa or an eTA, depending on your citizenship and travel method. It is best to confirm this before making travel plans.
Those invited by FIFA are encouraged to clearly state their FIFA-related travel when applying, following the instructions provided in their invitation letter.
Workers Who May Still Need A Work Permit
Another important point in the visa and work permits guide for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is that some workers may still need a work permit.
If you are not invited by FIFA to work at an official FIFA-organized event, you may need to apply for a work permit. This depends on the type of work you will do during the tournament.
Even workers who do not need a work permit may still need a visitor visa or an eTA to enter Canada.
Travelling To Canada With A Criminal Record
Canada has strict entry rules. Some travellers may be refused entry if they are considered criminally inadmissible under Canadian law.
This can apply even if:
- The offence happened outside Canada; or
- The offence is considered minor in another country.
Canadian officials look at how an offence compares to Canadian law. Inadmissibility may be based on:
- Past convictions
- Pending charges, or
- Having committed an offence, even without a conviction.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to overcome inadmissibility through:
- A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
- Deemed Rehabilitation or
- Criminal Rehabilitation
NOTE: A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is issued only if an immigration officer believes that you have a strong reason to enter Canada and that your entry does not pose a safety risk. Approval is fully up to the officer. Attending a football match may not be seen as a strong enough reason.
If you plan to apply for a TRP or criminal rehabilitation, keep in mind that processing times can be long. You should review your situation well in advance.
Other Important Things To Keep In Mind
If you are planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, consider the following points:
- Processing times for visitor visas, eTAs, and work permits can differ by country.
- Some items must be declared when entering Canada. These include certain animals, limits on alcohol or tobacco, and carrying more than $10,000 in cash.
- All travellers must have a valid travel document, whether they are fans, workers, or volunteers.
- Planning early is strongly recommended to improve your chances of getting the right documents on time.
By preparing ahead and understanding the rules, you can enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada without unnecessary travel issues.
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