FIFA World Cup 26: Plan your travel itinerary and support your team in Canada

2026 is the year of the World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This historic event will attract thousands of visitors to Canada. That is why Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has instructed the system to prioritize applications from those who will come to experience the passion of soccer in the colossal stadiums of BMO Field (Toronto) and BC Place (Vancouver).

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If you are planning to visit Canada, it is important to include the phrase "FIFA World Cup 26" in your purpose of travel and to be familiar with your immigration itinerary, whether you are traveling with a visitor visa or an eTA, depending on your country of origin, mode of entry, and immigration status.

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Read along with me to the end and take note of each step and recommendation to guarantee your entry into Canada. 

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Migration itinerary for the 2026 World Cup

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As a foreigner, you must bear in mind that in order to enter Canada and enjoy the World Cup, you must have one of the following documents linked to your passport:

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
• Passport only (depending on your nationality and route of entry).

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1. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

This visa is mandatory for those who do not belong to exempt countries. Most travelers need a tourist visa to travel to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport on their way to their final destination. In turn, this visa is subdivided into: Visitor Visa (single entry). Visitor Visa (multiple entries). Transit Visa. 

If you have never applied for a visa and only want to visit Canada to watch the World Cup, the best option is to apply for a tourist visa. 

Important: If you are a resident and plan to go to games in the US or Mexico and return to Canada, you must have a valid visa (sticker in your passport). If it has expired, apply for your TRV renewal now to avoid being left out during the tournament.

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2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The eTA is required for visa-exempt foreigners arriving by air. It is linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years.

As for response times, these are usually quick, but due to the massive volume of applications for the World Cup, IRCC warns that there could be delays. The best advice is not to apply a few weeks or days before your flight. It is recommended that you apply at least 30 days in advance.

Important: The eTA has an updated classification by country. Identify which procedure applies to you based on your nationality.

• Group A: Direct eTA (no additional conditions). These are citizens who only need their eTA to fly to Canada, including Spain, Chile, and other countries outside Latin America.
• Group B: Conditional eTA (known traveler program). They may opt for an eTA instead of a visa only if they arrive by air and meet one of these requirements: 1.) Have a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa. 2.) Have had a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years.

It covers the following countries: Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Panama.

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-Group C: Visitor Visa Required. For countries that require the full process (biometrics and forms).

It covers the following countries: Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and the rest of Central and South America.

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4. Passport only

Only U.S. citizens can enter with just a passport by any means. 

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as Spain, Chile, or France) can enter with only a passport if they arrive by land or sea from the US; if they arrive by air, they must apply for an eTA. Permanent residents of the US (Green Card holders) do not require a visa or eTA, but must always present their passport and physical residence card. 

You can find additional information on the official IRCC website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html 

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Additional recommendations

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• Enter the keyword 2026: "FIFA World Cup 26"

The IRCC has given clear instructions:

Write the phrase "FIFA World Cup 26" in the free text or purpose of travel field on your form. While this does not guarantee that your application will be approved, it will allow the government to track and process it under the sporting event framework.

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• Avoid rejection of your application

To avoid visa rejection, keep two important factors in mind: sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your stay and transportation costs, and ties to your country of origin. In other words, a genuine intention to return home after the World Cup.

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As for ties to your home country, it is not enough to simply want to support your national team in Canada and promote tourism. Keep in mind that the following documents will support your application: employment contract and vacation letter, recent pay stubs, property deeds or vehicle titles, and marriage or birth certificates of children who remain in your home country. 

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Have you got your travel itinerary ready or do you need to check it? Visit our exclusive World Cup page here: https://www.immilandcanada.com/blog-fifa-world-cup-2026/tres-curiosidades-del-mundial-de-futbol-2026 and discover the services available.

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Immiland Canada Immigration Services

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We are regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers who are experts in evaluating immigration documentation and successfully completing the visa process. 

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This year, we have a new website: Immiland Law Canada 2026, dedicated exclusively to the World Cup, where you can get guidance and immigration consultation services if you have been denied a visa in the past, a guide to applying for a visa with your family, and advice on processing travel insurance.

Click on the link and tell us what you need, and we will be happy to help you.

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I hope this information helps you organize your itinerary and successfully apply for your visa. 

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Thank you for reading. Don't miss our next blog post titled: Citizens of Mexico and the United States can work faster in Canada thanks to the USMCA (CUSMA).

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With love,

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Immiland Canada