All You Need To Know About Coming To Canada To Watch The FIFA World Cup 2026

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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Frequently Asked Questions