FIFA World Cup 2026 in the U.S.: Guide to visa applications, entry, and safe travel

Introduction to watching the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Watching the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. is a historic opportunity as the world’s biggest tournament expands for the first time to 48 teams, hosted by three North American countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With 11 host cities in the U.S., the event is expected to attract millions of international visitors, with FIFA estimating over 5 million tickets sold across the entire tournament. The top-tier matches will take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026, creating an exciting atmosphere but also requiring careful preparation regarding entry and travel.

Official website of FIFA World Cup 2026.

According to the U.S. Department of State (DOS), visitors need to be clear on visa regulations to avoid delays, especially with application volumes expected to surge by 30% compared to previous major events. This article, from the perspective of immigration and travel experts, will provide a detailed analysis of entry requirements, visas, host cities, tickets, and practical advice. We will explore how to make your trip to watch the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. safe and memorable.

Analysed objectively, this event not only boosts the U.S. economy with a projected US$2-4 billion in revenue, but also poses challenges for border security. Let’s start with an overview.

History and significance of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

The 2026 World Cup in the U.S. marks the second time the country has hosted, following the success of 1994 with a record 3.6 million spectators. The decision to co-host with Canada and Mexico was announced by FIFA in 2018, aiming to expand the tournament to 48 teams and 104 matches. This increases the number of matches in the U.S. to approximately 60, according to the official schedule from FIFA.

The economic significance is clear: host cities are expected to welcome 200,000 – 500,000 visitors each, according to a report from the U.S. Travel Association. However, the challenge lies in logistics, with distances between stadiums of up to 4,000 km. Analysed, this event promotes cultural diversity but requires visitors to plan early.

To explain further, the new structure with 16 groups instead of 8 as in previous rounds helps weaker teams have a chance, increasing global appeal. For Vietnamese fans, this is a rare occasion to watch live, but one must note the time zone difference of 12 – 15 hours.

Host cities and stadiums for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

The U.S. has 11 host cities for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., each with modern stadiums and large capacities. The list includes:

• Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 71,000 capacity)
• Boston (Gillette Stadium, 65,878 capacity)
• Dallas (AT&T Stadium, 80,000 capacity)
• Houston (NRG Stadium, 72,220 capacity)
• Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium, 76,416 capacity)
• Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium, 70,240 capacity)
• Miami (Hard Rock Stadium, 65,326 capacity)
• New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium, 82,500 capacity)
• Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field, 69,796 capacity)
• San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium, 68,500 capacity)
• Seattle (Lumen Field, 68,740 capacity).

Details on prominent stadiums

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is famous for its retractable roof and has hosted the Super Bowl. It will be a semi-final venue, featuring a state-of-the-art LED system. AT&T Stadium in Dallas, the largest venue, features a massive screen and air conditioning, suitable for the hot climate.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the newest venue, integrates an entertainment park, ideal for fans combining sports with tourism. MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey is scheduled to host the final, with record capacity and proximity to central Manhattan.

Summary table of cities and stadiums:

City	Stadium	Capacity
Atlanta	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	71,000
Boston	Gillette Stadium	65,878
Dallas	AT&T Stadium	80,000
Houston	NRG Stadium	72,220
Kansas City	Arrowhead Stadium	76,416

These locations were selected based on infrastructure, according to FIFA criteria.

Tourism features of the cities

Atlanta offers a Southern atmosphere with Olympic Park. Boston is rich in history and near Harvard. Dallas is famous for cowboys and shopping. Houston has a diverse Asian-European culinary scene. Kansas City is known for BBQ and jazz.

Los Angeles features Hollywood, Miami has beaches, New York is iconic, Philadelphia is the home of independence, San Francisco is a tech hub, and Seattle is known for coffee. Analyse and choose a city based on your preferred match to optimise your travel.

U.S. entry regulations for visitors watching the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Entering the United States for the 2026 World Cup requires a valid visa or ESTA, in accordance with U.S. Department of State guidelines. Visitors from countries not Visa Waiver Program (VWP) needing a visa B-2, while VWP participants use ESTA. The number of visa applications is expected to increase by 50% due to the event, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

General regulations: A passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and proof of financial means. At the border, CBP will verify the purpose of travel and may deny entry if suspicious. To clarify, a B-2 visa allows for a 6-month stay, sufficient for the entire tournament.

Objectively, strict regulations are in place to ensure security, especially with large crowds. Vietnamese travellers typically require a B-2 visa and are not eligible for the VWP.

B-2 visa: Procedures and required documents for Vietnamese citizens

Applying for a B-2 visa begins with Form DS-160, with a fee of US$185. Next, schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Waiting times can be 6 – 12 months, so it is recommended to apply early for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Documents:

• Passport
• 5×5 cm photo
• Proof of purpose (match tickets, hotel bookings)
• Financial proof (bank statements)
• Ties to home country (employment, family)
• The interview focuses on the intent of temporary stay.

List of steps to apply for a visa:

1. Complete Form DS-160 online.
2. Pay the fee and schedule an appointment via ustraveldocs.com.
3. Prepare documents.
4. Attend the interview and await results (usually 3-5 days, longer if administrative processing is required).

ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries

If you are from a VWP country (such as those in Europe or Japan), apply for an ESTA online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, with a fee of US$21, approved within 72 hours. An ESTA allows for a 90-day stay, sufficient to watch the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Requirements: Electronic passport, no prior violations. This does not apply to Vietnam. To analyse, an ESTA is faster than a visa but still requires proof of eligibility at the border.

How to buy tickets and the 2026 World Cup schedule in the U.S.

2026 World Cup tickets in the United States will be sold through FIFA starting in September 2025, with a presale for Visa cardholders. Prices range from 50-500 USD per match, depending on the category, according to information from FIFA Ticketing.

Match schedule:

• Opening match in Mexico City
• Final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July 2026.

Purchasing tickets: Create a FIFA account and participate in the lottery. Hospitality packages are more expensive and include VIP seating. Be careful to avoid counterfeit tickets.

Travelling between 2026 World Cup host cities in the U.S.

Travelling to watch the 2026 World Cup in the United States requires flexible movement between 11 cities. Domestic flights via Delta Airlines and United Airlines are affordable (US$100 – US$300 one-way), while Amtrak trains are slower but offer scenic views. Greyhound buses are economical for shorter distances.

For example, travelling from New York to Philadelphia takes only 2 hours by car. To analyse, use apps like Google Maps to plan and avoid peak hours.

Advice: Purchase travel tickets early and combine your trip with visits to landmarks or Hollywood.

Conclusion

Watching the 2026 World Cup in the United States is a premier experience, but it requires careful preparation from visa applications to travel arrangements. With 11 vibrant cities and clear regulations from the Department of State, your trip will be a success if you plan early. Based on reliable data, this article aims to support you. Please follow FIFA and travel.state.gov for the latest updates.