As the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off, Canada is preparing to welcome athletes, officials, media personnel, workers, volunteers, and football fans from around the world.
The tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will bring together 48 national teams for 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Canada is set to host 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver.
To help travellers prepare, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released guidance outlining the immigration and travel requirements for individuals planning to enter Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026 activities.
The requirements vary depending on the purpose of travel, and understanding which documents are needed before departure can help avoid unnecessary delays.
What Fans Need to Know
If you are travelling to Canada to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 matches as a fan, you will enter Canada as a visitor.
There is no special FIFA World Cup 2026 visa. Depending on your citizenship and method of travel, you may need either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before travelling to Canada.
You do not need to have a FIFA World Cup ticket before applying for a visitor visa or eTA. However, having a match ticket does not guarantee that your application will be approved.
You should also indicate in your application that you are travelling for FIFA World Cup 2026. This information is used for tracking purposes only.
To avoid missing your event, apply early and ensure you have the correct travel documentation.
Players, Team Officials and Match Personnel
If you are travelling to Canada as a FIFA player, team personnel member, referee, or match official, you do not need a work permit to participate in official FIFA World Cup activities.
However, depending on your citizenship and travel arrangements, you may still require either a visitor visa or an eTA before travelling.
To avoid delays, apply early and ensure you have the correct travel documentation before departure.
Media and Broadcast Personnel
If you are travelling to Canada as a media representative or broadcast professional covering FIFA World Cup 2026 events, you do not need a work permit.
Depending on your citizenship and travel arrangements, you may still need a visitor visa or eTA before entering Canada.
If you have received an invitation directly from FIFA, follow the instructions contained in your invitation letter when completing your immigration application.
Even if you have not received a direct FIFA invitation, you should still indicate that you are travelling for FIFA World Cup 2026 when applying for a visitor visa or eTA. This information is used for tracking purposes only.
To avoid disruptions to your travel plans, apply early and make sure you have the correct immigration documents in place.
FIFA-Invited Volunteers
If you have been officially invited by FIFA to volunteer at a FIFA-organized event, you do not need a work permit.
You will know you qualify under this exemption if you have received information directly from FIFA regarding your volunteer role.
Depending on your citizenship and travel arrangements, you may still need a visitor visa or eTA before travelling to Canada.
You should follow the instructions contained in your FIFA invitation letter and indicate in your application that you are travelling for FIFA-related activities.
To avoid missing your event, apply early and ensure you have the correct travel documentation ready before departure.
FIFA-Invited Workers
If you have been officially invited by FIFA to work at a FIFA-organized event, you do not need a work permit.
You will know you qualify under this exemption if you have received official communication directly from FIFA.
However, depending on your citizenship and method of travel, you may still require a visitor visa or eTA.
Follow the instructions contained in your FIFA invitation letter and indicate that you are travelling for FIFA activities when completing your application.
To avoid unnecessary delays, apply early and ensure your travel documents are in place before your event begins.
Other Workers Coming to Canada for FIFA Activities
If you are travelling to Canada for FIFA-related work but have not been directly invited by FIFA, you may need a work permit.
Whether a work permit is required will depend on the type of work you will perform in Canada.
In some cases, you may need both a work permit and either a visitor visa or eTA before travelling.
Even if you do not need a work permit, you should indicate in your visitor visa or eTA application that you are travelling for FIFA-related activities. This information is used for tracking purposes only.
To avoid disruptions to your travel plans, apply early and ensure you have the correct immigration documents before travelling to Canada.
Why This Matters
With thousands of international visitors expected during FIFA World Cup 2026, understanding Canada’s immigration requirements before travelling is important.
The rules differ depending on whether you are travelling as a fan, athlete, volunteer, media representative, match official, or worker.
Making sure you have the correct documents before departure can help reduce delays and travel complications.
How Sehli Global Can Help
Sehli Global helps travellers understand what immigration documents may be required before travelling to Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026 activities.
Whether you are attending as a fan, volunteer, worker, media representative, or event participant, Sehli Global can help you better understand your available travel and immigration options.
To get personalized immigration guidance, you can book an appointment with Sehli Global here.
Conclusion
As FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, travellers are encouraged to review their immigration requirements carefully and apply early where necessary.
While many FIFA participants may benefit from work permit exemptions, visitor visa and eTA requirements may still apply depending on citizenship and travel arrangements. Understanding the correct requirements before travelling can help ensure a smoother journey to Canada.
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