FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada: Visitor Visa and eTA Requirements for Travelers
Date Posted:June 4, 2026
Last Updated:June 4, 2026
Canada will be one of the host countries for FIFA World Cup 2026™, and thousands of fans, athletes, team officials, media representatives, volunteers, and event staff are expected to travel to Canada for the tournament.
If you are planning to visit Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026™, it is important to understand the immigration requirements before you travel. To avoid delays, applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance.
Who Does This Apply To?
This information applies to:
- Fans attending FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches
- Players and team officials
- Media representatives
- FIFA-invited volunteers
- FIFA-invited staff members
There Is No Special FIFA World Cup Visa
There is no dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026™ visa for entry to Canada.
Most visitors attending matches will enter Canada as temporary visitors and will require either:
➡Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
➡Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
depending on their nationality and travel document.
Do You Need a Match Ticket to Apply?
No.You do not need to have a FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket in order to apply for a Visitor Visa or an eTA. Likewise, possessing a match ticket does not guarantee approval of a visa or eTA application. All applicants must meet Canada’s regular admissibility and immigration requirements.
eTA Application Process
When completing the eTA application, you will find a section called “Background Questions” that includes an optional field for additional information. If you are traveling to Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026™, enter the following text in the free-text field:
- FIFA World Cup 26
Visitor Visa Application Process
When submitting a Visitor Visa application, enter the following text in one of the available free-text sections:
- FIFA World Cup 26
You may include this information in either of the following sections:
- Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada
- Purpose of your visit
➡Apply for a Visitor Visa here
Additional Instructions for Players, Team Officials, Media, Volunteers, and Staff
Players, team officials, media representatives, FIFA-invited volunteers, and FIFA-invited staff should also follow the instructions provided in their official invitation materials.
When submitting their immigration application, these individuals should identify themselves as FIFA invitees and provide any supporting documentation requested by FIFA or Canadian immigration authorities.
Whether you are planning a spectator tour but feel anxious about your eTA approval due to your past background, or you need to ensure reliable visa processing for staff traveling for tournament operations, please consult us as early as possible if you have any concerns about Canadian entry procedures for the World Cup.
Because it is such a massive global event, border controls and immigration screenings tend to become exceptionally strict. We will professionally verify your compliance with all entry requirements in advance to fully support your safe and smooth travel.
Smooth Canadian Entry and Stay
At Shiraishi Visa JP Canada, we offer application representation for visitor visas and preliminary counseling for eTA applications, which frequently experience complications.
Please leave your entry procedure concerns to our Canadian government authorized immigration consultants. Whether you are worried that you require a visitor visa due to your nationality but are unsure how to gather the required documents, we are here to help. We provide prompt and accurate support to ensure your secure travel to Canada during the tournament period.
This article is a summary prepared by Visa JP Canada based on the official announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Source: FIFA World Cup 2026: Information for visitors to Canada (English)
Reviewed by
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in the USA, worked for six years as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency in New York, involved in the planning and development of travel products. Concurrently attended the MBA program at the City University of New York. Returned to Japan and worked as a manager at the visa centre of the same travel company, primarily handling foreign nationality clients and managing various visa applications from around the world. Immigrated to Canada in 2005 as a skilled worker. Completed the Immigration Consultant Program at the University of British Columbia and obtained the qualification of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Specializes in consulting for permanent residence and short-term visas (work, study, temporary stay, etc.) in Canada. Adheres to the motto, 'Every person has the potential to obtain Canadian permanent residence,' and is skilled in proposing the best permanent residence scenarios for individual clients, based on a wide range of visa information. A regular member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, as well as the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Active as a supervisor of visa-related information and a seminar lecturer in various media and the Japanese community in Canada. As a president of Kiyukai (Vancouver Japanese Business Association), she supports Japanese entrepreneurs in BC, those who want to start their own business, and all those who work in BC. She is also a president of Visa JP Canada and Jinzai Canada.
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