Canada will welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors as it co-hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the United States and Mexico. Matches in Canada will take place in Toronto and Vancouver between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is urging fans, media, volunteers and workers to apply early for the correct travel documents. A match ticket does not guarantee entry to Canada, and Canadian border officers make the final decision when you arrive.
This comprehensive guide explains entry requirements, who needs an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, what border officers look for, and lists every World Cup fixture taking place in Canada.
On this page you will find
- All FIFA World Cup 2026 matches taking place in Canada
- Canadian host cities and stadiums
- A World Cup travel planning timeline
- Who needs an eTA and who needs a visitor visa
- Country-by-country guidance for attending fans
- What border officers look for at arrival
- Documents to carry when travelling
- Transit rules for fans passing through Canada
- Special rules for players, media, volunteers and workers
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Canada
Canada will host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver.
Toronto Stadium – Toronto, Ontario
- Friday, 12 June 2026
Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina / Italy / Northern Ireland / Wales – Group B - Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Ghana v Panama – Group L - Saturday, 20 June 2026
Germany v Côte d’Ivoire – Group E - Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Panama v Croatia – Group L - Friday, 26 June 2026
Senegal v Bolivia / Iraq / Suriname – Group I - Thursday, 2 July 2026
Match 83 – Group K runners-up v Group L runners-up
BC Place Vancouver – Vancouver, British Columbia
- Saturday, 13 June 2026
Australia v Kosovo / Romania / Slovakia / Türkiye – Group D - Thursday, 18 June 2026
Canada v Qatar – Group B - Sunday, 21 June 2026
New Zealand v Egypt – Group G - Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Switzerland v Canada – Group B - Friday, 26 June 2026
New Zealand v Belgium – Group G - Thursday, 2 July 2026
Match 85 – Group B winners v Group E / F / G / I / J third place - Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Match 96 – Winner match 85 v Winner match 87
Canadian host cities – Toronto and Vancouver
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a major international travel hub. Expect busy airports, strong public transit options, and a wide range of accommodation prices depending on proximity to the stadium.
Vancouver offers a compact downtown core, excellent public transit, and easy access to outdoor attractions. June and July weather is generally mild but can change quickly, so pack layers.
Travelling between Toronto and Vancouver takes about five hours by air. Fans attending matches in both cities should book flights early and avoid tight connections.
World Cup travel planning timeline
9–12 months before travel
- Check passport validity
- Confirm whether you need an eTA or visitor visa
- Begin gathering financial and employment documents
6–9 months before travel
- Apply for a Canada visitor visa if required
- Book cancellable accommodation
- Plan a realistic match and travel itinerary
3–6 months before travel
- Book flights
- Finalise accommodation and intercity travel
- Purchase travel insurance
4–8 weeks before travel
- Confirm visa or eTA approval
- Prepare border-ready documents
- Review entry rules and prohibited items
Arrival week
- Carry all supporting documents
- Be prepared to explain your travel plans clearly
- Ensure return or onward travel is booked
Who needs an eTA and who needs a visitor visa?
Your entry requirements depend on your citizenship and how you travel to Canada.
Countries playing in Canada that need an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- Germany
- Croatia
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Belgium
- Qatar
- Switzerland
Countries that need a Canada visitor visa
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Ghana
- Panama
- Senegal
- Egypt
eTA guide for visa-exempt fans
Fans from visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air must apply for an eTA.
Key eTA details
- Cost – CAN $7
- Valid for – up to 5 years or until passport expiry
- Length of stay – up to 6 months per visit
Apply online before booking flights. Your passport must be electronically linked to your eTA and valid for the entire stay. Approval can be quick, but some applications take several days.
Even with an approved eTA, you must still satisfy a border officer that you are visiting temporarily.
Visitor visa guide for visa-required fans
Fans from visa-required countries must obtain a Canada visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa.
What officers expect to see
- A clear purpose of travel linked to World Cup matches
- Proof of sufficient funds for the full trip
- Strong ties to your home country
- A credible plan to leave Canada after your visit
Costs
- Visitor visa – CAN $100
- Biometrics – CAN $85 if required
Processing times vary widely by country and season and can range from weeks to several months. Apply as early as possible.
Country-specific guidance for World Cup fans
eTA countries
Germany, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Qatar, Switzerland
- Apply for your eTA before booking flights
- Carry proof of funds and return travel
- Bring match tickets and accommodation details
- Do not assume visa-exempt means risk-free entry
Visa-required countries
Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Panama, Senegal, Egypt
- Apply several months in advance
- Expect biometrics and possible medical exams
- Include a detailed itinerary with match dates
- Show strong employment or family ties at home
eTA vs Visitor Visa
| Feature | Electronic travel authorization (eTA) | Canada visitor visa |
| Who needs it | Citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling by air | Citizens of visa-required countries |
| Examples for World Cup fans | Germany, Australia, Belgium, Qatar | Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Panama |
| Cost | CAN $7 | CAN $100 |
| Biometrics required | No | Usually yes |
| Validity | Up to 5 years or until passport expires | Validity varies by officer decision |
| Maximum stay per visit | Up to 6 months | Usually up to 6 months |
| Application method | Online only | Online or via visa application centre |
| Processing time | Minutes to several days | Weeks to several months |
| Work allowed | No | No |
| Entry guaranteed | No – officer decides at border | No – officer decides at border |
| Common pitfalls | Applying too late, weak travel plans | Weak ties, poor documentation, late application |
What border officers look for on arrival
Canadian border officers assess whether you will respect the terms of entry. They focus on:
- Consistency between your documents and answers
- Proof you will leave Canada
- Proof you can support yourself financially
- No intent to work or study illegally
Vague plans, missing documents, or inconsistent answers increase the risk of refusal.
Border officer Q&A – what you will actually be asked
This section helps readers understand the real arrival process and reduces refusal risk.
Why are you coming to Canada?
Say clearly that you are visiting to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and tourism. Mention match dates and cities. Keep it simple and factual.
How long are you staying?
Give exact dates that match your flight bookings and accommodation. Avoid vague answers like “maybe a few weeks”.
Where will you stay?
Have hotel confirmations or a host address ready. Border officers often check this.
How will you pay for your trip?
Be ready to show proof of funds such as bank statements, credit cards, or sponsor evidence. Officers want to see you can cover accommodation, food, transport, and return travel.
When are you leaving Canada?
Return or onward tickets matter. Officers look for a clear exit plan tied to your work, family, or commitments back home.
Are you planning to work or study?
Always answer no unless you hold the correct permit. Saying you might “look for work” is a common reason for refusal.
Border officer red flags to avoid
- Saying different things than what appears in your application
- No proof of funds or return travel
- Bringing job-search documents when entering as a visitor
- Overly vague travel plans
- Prior overstays or unresolved refusals
Pro tip for World Cup travellers
Even visa-exempt travellers should act like they are being assessed for a visa at the airport. Carry documents, answer confidently, and keep your story consistent.
Documents to carry when travelling
- Passport
- Visa or eTA confirmation
- Match tickets
- Hotel reservations
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance
- Employer leave letter if applicable
Transiting through Canada
Some travellers require an eTA even when transiting by air. Transit passengers are still subject to screening and must meet entry requirements. Allow sufficient connection time, especially during peak World Cup travel periods.
Players, media, volunteers and FIFA-invited workers
Players, referees, team staff, media personnel, volunteers and FIFA-invited workers do not need a work permit for official World Cup duties.
They may still need a visitor visa or eTA depending on citizenship and travel method. Anyone invited by FIFA should flag this in their application and follow the instructions in their invitation letter.
Other workers not officially invited by FIFA may require a work permit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a match ticket guarantees entry
- Saying you plan to work while visiting
- Travelling without proof of funds or return plans
- Overstaying your authorised period
- Applying too late
Frequently Asked Questions
Do World Cup tickets guarantee entry to Canada?
No. Tickets do not guarantee entry. You must hold a valid visa or eTA and satisfy a border officer that you meet all entry requirements when you arrive.
How early should I apply for my visa or eTA?
Apply as early as possible. Visitor visas can take months, and even eTA applications can be delayed during peak travel periods leading up to the tournament.
Can I work in Canada while attending the World Cup?
No. A visitor visa or eTA does not allow work. Only FIFA-invited personnel are exempt from work permit requirements for official roles.
