Canada Visitor Visa for FIFA World Cup 2026 ⚽
How to Get the Canada Visitor Visa for FIFA World Cup 2026
A Complete Guide for International Fans
It may seem like booking flights and keeping an eye on ticket announcements are the most important things to do, but immigration planning is what will really decide if your trip happens or not. Before the tournament, Canada is expecting a lot more applications for visitor visas. This means that it’s more important than ever to apply correctly and early.
This guide tells international fans how to get into Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026, what immigration officials are looking for, and how to avoid common mistakes that get them turned away.
FIFA World Cup 2026 details
Canada, the United States, and Mexico will jointly host the FIFA World Cup 2026 from June to July 2026. It will be the biggest World Cup ever. There will be 48 national teams playing in 104 matches in the tournament, which is a big increase from previous years. Canada will host 13 World Cup matches, including group-stage matches and knockout rounds.
In-Demand Occupations Eligible for Two-Week Processing (Category B)
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Mining engineers | 21330 |
| Aerospace engineers | 21390 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 |
| Mathematicians and statisticians (subset) | 21210 |
| Data scientists | 21211 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 |
| Web designers | 21233 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Computer network and web technicians | 22220 |
| Information systems testing technicians | 22222 |
| Visual effects and video game project managers (subset) | 51120 |
| Digital media and design professionals (subset) | 52120 |
Many of these roles are also aligned with Canada’s STEM immigration priorities, making them highly valuable for long-term settlement.
Why Canada Will Make Temporary Immigration More Strict in 2025 and After
Several structural problems led policymakers to make this choice:
Housing and Affordability Issues
There have been serious housing shortages in Canada’s big cities. The quick rise in the number of students and workers coming to the area has made rental demand even higher, which has raised prices and made them harder to find.
Stress on Public Services
Change to Sustainable Immigration
IRCC is moving away from immigration based on how many people apply and toward immigration based on quality, with a focus on labor shortages, regional needs, and long-term economic contribution.
Do you need a special visa to go to Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A lot of people think Canada has made a new visa category just for the FIFA World Cup 2026, but this isn’t true. People from other countries who come to Canada to see a game will have to follow the same rules as other tourists.
Fans need to get either a Canada Visitor Visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their nationality and how they plan to travel. Having a match ticket doesn’t change your visa status or guarantee you entry into Canada.
Do you need an eTA or a visitor visa?
Your passport is the only thing that matters when it comes to getting permission to travel. People from countries that need a visa to visit Canada must apply for a Canada visitor visa. People from countries that don’t need a visa usually only need an eTA if they are flying to Canada.
Why should you apply for a Canada Visitor Visa right away?
A lot of fans wait until they have FIFA tickets before they start applying for a visa. This delay could cost a lot. The time it takes for Canada to process immigration applications is hard to predict, and it will probably get much longer as the tournament gets closer. There are many benefits to applying early:
- Less likely to miss travel deadlines
- More time to answer requests for documents
- Less likely to be turned down because of rushed submissions
- You can change your plans if the match dates or travel plans change.
You don't need a confirmed match ticket to get a visitor visa for Canada.
It’s important to include “FIFA World Cup 26” in your application. Canada has set up a way to keep track of World Cup travel within the country. It is important that applicants clearly state that their reason for travel is the “FIFA World Cup 26.“
- People who are applying for an eTA should use this phrase when answering questions about their background or other information.
- People who want a visitor visa should say why they are traveling in the travel purpose or explanation section.
This helps immigration officers understand why you are visiting and how it fits in with a well-known international event.
Showing That you Have Strong Ties to your Home Country
One of the main reasons why Canadian visitor visas are denied is that the applicant did not show that they planned to stay temporarily. Visa officers need to be sure that you will leave Canada after the event. To prove this, your application should include proof like:
- Documents that prove you are employed or own a business
- Letters of approval for leave
- Property or rental contracts
- Responsibilities to family or dependents
- Professional or educational commitments that are ongoing
A professionally written cover letter that explains your travel plans and when you will be back can make your application much stronger.
What you need to show you can afford to go to the World Cup
- Strong financial proof includes:
- Six months of bank statements that are always the same
- Clear sources of income
- Savings for travel that match the length of the trip
- Planning your stay and flight (if you can)
Large deposits that can’t be explained or lack financial records are often red flags that can lead to refusal or delays.
There is no room for negotiation when it comes to being honest and accurate
One of the strictest systems in the world for keeping immigration honest is in Canada. Any wrong or missing information can have big effects. People who want to apply must say:
- Visa refusals in the past (for Canada or other countries)
- Staying too long in the past or breaking immigration laws
- Issues with your travel or legal history
Coming to Canada from the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup 2026
Last words of advice for people going to Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, but Canada’s immigration system will be very busy during this time. Getting your visa process started early, sending in the right documents, and clearly explaining why you want to travel can mean the difference between celebrating in the stadium and being disappointed at the border.
It’s even more important to get help from a professional if you have a history of being turned down, haven’t traveled much, or have a lot of paperwork to fill out.
Step 2: Apply for Your Canada Work Permit
Once the LMIA is approved, you can submit your work permit application from outside Canada. During the application, you must clearly indicate that your LMIA was issued under the Global Talent Stream. Most eligible applicants receive a decision within two weeks, allowing them to start working in Canada much sooner than usual.
Why Nova Scotia Is Growing in Popularity
- High demand for healthcare professionals, IT workers, educators, and trades
- Accessible immigration streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Lower housing costs compared to large metropolitan cities
- Strong community integration and settlement support
What Universal Adviser can do for you ?
Universal Adviser helps people who love football and want to go to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By checking to see if you qualify for a visitor visa or eTA and helping you write strong cover letters and other paperwork, our team makes sure that your application meets all of Canada’s immigration requirements.
Universal Adviser helps make your trip to Canada for the World Cup smooth, legal, and easy by giving you personalized advice, figuring out what risks you face, and being there for you every step of the way.
FAQs Canada Visitor Visa for FIFA World Cup 2026
Yes. Most foreign nationals require a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) to enter Canada. Visa-exempt travelers need an eTA instead.
It’s best to apply at least 4–6 months in advance of the tournament, as processing times may increase closer to FIFA World Cup 2026.
Key documents include a valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, World Cup match tickets (if available), purpose of travel letter, and ties to your home country.
Yes. Clearly stating FIFA World Cup 2026 attendance as your purpose of visit is acceptable and helps visa officers assess your travel intent.
Most visitors can stay up to six months, subject to the border officer’s decision at entry.
