Planning to attend FIFA World Cup? Here's how to apply for Visa

A collage of a FIFA poster and a US visa

The US government has urged international travelers hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup to apply for their visas immediately.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the State Department of Consular Affairs emphasised the importance of early planning.

It noted that embassies and consulates are “working diligently to ensure an efficient, smooth, and effective visa process that protects America’s security.”

“Foreign travelers planning to attend a 2026 World Cup match in the United States who need a US visa should apply now,” the statement reads.

How to apply for the visa

The state department pointed out that the process can take time.

To apply, fill out DS-160 Visa application form via   https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.

Enter this site and create an account: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/es-mx/niv

Save your username and password, as well as the email address you register, as it will be useful later on to follow up and check the status of your application.

Follow the directions on the site and pay the fee.

Enter the site again and choose from the available dates: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/es-mx/niv

If you are renewing your visa, you are eligible for an interview waiver, so you will only schedule an appointment for the CAS. Even so, the consular area may decide to schedule an appointment for an interview if they deem it necessary.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will schedule two appointments, one for an interview and one at the CAS.

For more information, you are advised to go to the site: https://mx.usembassy.gov/visas/ 

In summary, you should fill out the form, then upload a current photo and pay the fee.

After paying the fee, schedule an interview appointment, gather required documents and during the interview, answer questions truthfully.

The US government has welcomed fans, "See you in the stands.”

2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, across 16 cities, and is expected to draw millions of fans from around the world, putting significant pressure on international travel systems.

The tournament taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be the first to be hosted by three nations.

The US will host across major cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.

In Mexico, the matches will take place at Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, while in Canada, Vancouver and Toronto will host the games.

Qualification tournaments among the six global confederations are already underway, with several teams having booked their tickets to the eagerly anticipated global showpiece.