⚡ Quick Answer

What visa do Indians need for FIFA World Cup 2026?

Indian fans need visas for all 3 host countries: (1) USA - B1/B2 tourist visa ($185, interview required), (2) Canada - Visitor visa (CAD $185), (3) Mexico - Tourist visa OR visa-free entry with valid US/Canada visa. Start your US visa application 4-6 months before the tournament (June-July 2026).

🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Complete Visa Guide for Indian Fans

Everything you need to travel to USA, Canada & Mexico for the biggest World Cup ever

16
Host Cities
104
Matches
48
Teams
39
Days
📅
June 11 - July 19, 2026
39 days of football action
🏆 Final: MetLife Stadium, New York

🎫 Visa Requirements by Country

🇺🇸

USA

11 stadiums • 11 cities
Hard
Visa Type
B1/B2 Tourist Visa
Visa Fee
$185 (₹15,400)
Processing
3-8 weeks
Interview
Required
Host Cities
New York/New JerseyLos AngelesMiamiDallasAtlantaHoustonPhiladelphiaSeattleSan Francisco Bay AreaBostonKansas City
View USA Visa Guide
🇨🇦

Canada

2 stadiums • 2 cities
Medium
Visa Type
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Visa Fee
CAD $185 (₹11,500)
Processing
2-6 weeks
Interview
Not Required
Host Cities
TorontoVancouver
View Canada Visa Guide
🇲🇽

Mexico

3 stadiums • 3 cities
Easy
Visa Type
Tourist Visa OR Visa-free*
*Visa-free if you have valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, or Japan visa
Visa Fee
$44 (₹3,700)
Processing
1-2 weeks
Interview
Required
Host Cities
Mexico CityGuadalajaraMonterrey
View Mexico Visa Guide

💡 Smart Visa Strategy for Indians

🎯 The Optimal Approach

  1. Get US B1/B2 visa first - It unlocks visa-free travel to Mexico
  2. Apply for Canada visa - No interview, faster processing
  3. Mexico = FREE - Enter visa-free with your valid US visa
💰
₹27,000
Total visa cost (USA + Canada)
Mexico = FREE with US visa
⏱️
4-8 weeks
Total processing time
Start by January 2026
🌎
3 Countries
Access with 2 visas
Watch 104 matches

📅 Visa Application Timeline

January 2026
Apply for US B1/B2 visa (longest processing time)
February 2026
Apply for Canada visitor visa
March 2026
Book World Cup tickets via FIFA portal
April 2026
Book flights (prices increase closer to event)
May 2026
Book hotels near match venues
June 11, 2026
World Cup begins!
July 19, 2026
World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, New York

⚠️ Important Tips for Indian Fans

🚨
US Visa Wait Times
Current B1/B2 wait times in India can exceed 400+ days for new applicants. Apply ASAP or check for earlier appointments.
✅
World Cup Tickets Help
Having confirmed World Cup tickets strengthens your visa application by showing clear travel purpose and return intent.
💡
Dropbox/Interview Waiver
If you had a US visa before (even expired), you may qualify for interview waiver (dropbox). Check eligibility →
🏨
Book Accommodation Early
Hotels near stadiums will be expensive and scarce. Book refundable hotels early, especially for knockout rounds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What visa do I need to attend FIFA World Cup 2026?
Indian passport holders need: (1) US B1/B2 visa for matches in USA, (2) Canada Visitor Visa for Toronto/Vancouver matches, (3) Mexico Tourist Visa OR enter visa-free with valid US/Canada visa. We recommend getting the US visa first as it enables visa-free Mexico entry.
Can I visit all 3 World Cup countries on one trip?
Yes! With a US visa and Canada visa, you can visit all 3 countries. Your valid US visa allows visa-free entry to Mexico for up to 180 days. Plan your itinerary based on match schedules across the three countries.
When should I apply for World Cup 2026 visa?
Start your US visa application in January 2026 (4-6 months before). US visa has the longest wait times. Canada visa can be applied 2-3 months before. With US visa approved, Mexico is visa-free, so no additional application needed.
How much does World Cup 2026 visa cost for Indians?
Total visa costs: USA B1/B2 visa - $185 (₹15,400), Canada Visitor Visa - CAD $185 (₹11,500). If you have US visa, Mexico is free. Total: approximately ₹27,000 for all visas.
Where is the World Cup 2026 Final?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York area), USA on July 19, 2026. You need a US B1/B2 visa to attend.
Can I get a World Cup specific visa?
No, there is no special World Cup visa. You need to apply for regular tourist visas (US B1/B2, Canada Visitor, Mexico Tourist). However, having World Cup tickets can strengthen your visa application by showing clear travel purpose.
What if my US visa is rejected before World Cup?
You can still watch matches in Canada (apply separately) and Mexico (need Mexico visa if no US visa). We recommend applying for Canada visa as backup. You can also reapply for US visa after addressing rejection reasons.
Do I need World Cup tickets for visa application?
Not mandatory, but having confirmed World Cup tickets strengthens your application by demonstrating clear travel purpose and intent to return. You can show ticket confirmation or FIFA lottery registration.
Which World Cup venue is easiest to get visa for?
Mexico is easiest - if you have a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, or Japan visa, you can enter Mexico visa-free. Otherwise, Canada is easier than USA with no interview requirement and faster processing.
How many matches will each country host?
USA hosts 78 matches including all knockout rounds from quarterfinals onwards and the Final. Mexico hosts 13 matches. Canada hosts 13 matches. Total: 104 matches across 16 stadiums in 3 countries.
What is the best strategy for Indian fans?
Best strategy: (1) Apply for US visa first (January 2026), (2) Once approved, apply for Canada visa, (3) Mexico becomes visa-free with US visa, (4) Book tickets and travel focusing on one country, or plan multi-city trip if budget allows.
Can I extend my stay during World Cup?
USA allows stay up to 6 months (officer decides at entry). Canada allows 6 months. Mexico allows 180 days. For World Cup (June 11 - July 19), standard tourist stays are sufficient. Extensions possible but not usually needed.

Ready to Plan Your World Cup Trip?

Start with the US visa - it's the key to visiting all 3 host countries

🇺🇸 Start US Visa Application 🇨🇦 Canada Visa Guide

Apply This to Your Visa Application

Get complete visa guides with country-specific requirements and tips.

🇺🇸

USA Visa Guide

B1/B2 visa requirements & interview tips

 🇬🇧

UK Visa Guide

Standard Visitor visa process

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Schengen Visa Guide

27 European countries in one visa

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Canada Visa Guide

Visitor visa application process

 🇦🇺

Australia Visa Guide

Tourist & business visa options

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UAE Visa Guide

Dubai & UAE visa requirements
View All Visa Guides →