As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans around the world are making plans to travel to North America to watch the tournament.
The event will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three countries will share hosting duties. While the expanded tournament promises more matches and more excitement, many supporters are concerned about one key issue: visas.
Traveling to three different countries, each with its own immigration rules, could create challenges for international fans. Some visitors may need separate visas for each host country, while others could face long processing times, strict requirements, or limited appointment slots at embassies.
These concerns have raised fears that some fans may miss matches due to paperwork delays rather than lack of tickets.
To address these worries, officials and organizers are working on a new travel system designed to make cross-border movement easier during the tournament. The proposed plan aims to better coordinate visa and entry procedures among the three host nations, especially for short-term visitors coming specifically for World Cup matches. While full details have not yet been released, the goal is to reduce confusion and speed up travel for fans.
Under the new approach, authorities are expected to share information more efficiently and provide clearer guidance to travelers well ahead of the tournament. Special travel arrangements or simplified processes may be introduced for ticket-holding fans, helping them move between host countries with fewer delays. Organizers say this is especially important because the 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with more teams, more games, and millions of visitors.
Despite these efforts, officials are urging fans not to wait until the last minute. Supporters are advised to check visa requirements early, ensure their passports are valid, and follow updates from official government and World Cup sources. Travel experts also recommend applying as soon as possible once visa windows open, as demand is expected to be very high.
The 2026 World Cup is seen as a major opportunity to showcase North America to the world, not just through football but also through tourism and cultural exchange. Host countries hope that smoother travel systems will encourage more fans to attend, boosting local economies and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
While visa hurdles remain a concern, the planned travel system offers hope that fans will be able to focus more on the matches and less on border issues. If successful, it could set a new standard for managing large international sporting events in the future.
Source: Africanews
