The FIFA World Cup 2026 – a global sporting highlight
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held for the first time in three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Millions of fans from around the world are expected. Anyone planning to attend matches in the USA should arrange their entry permit in good time.
Depending on their country of origin, fans will need either an ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or a regular B1/B2 visa.
Who needs an ESTA and who needs a B1/B2 visa?
- ESTA: For citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Stay of up to 90 days for tourism or sporting events.
- B1/B2 visa: For all other travelers, e.g. citizens of countries outside the VWP, travelers without a biometric passport, or fans who wish to stay longer than 90 days.
ESTA – for fans from Visa Waiver countries
The Visa Waiver Program currently includes 42 countries. Fans from these countries can enter the USA without a traditional visa but must obtain an ESTA authorization, which is applied for online.
Visa Waiver Countries (as of 12/2025)
Europe:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Asia / Pacific:
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea
Americas / Middle East / Others:
Chile, Taiwan, Qatar
(Quelle: DHS.gov)
Applying for ESTA
- Online application at least 72 hours before departure
- Biometric passport required (no temporary passport / no child’s passport)
- Validity: usually 2 years or until the passport expires
- Multiple entries permitted, maximum stay of 90 days per visit
Tips for the 2026 World Cup
- Keep your World Cup ticket and accommodation details ready
- Plan for peak times at airports
- Apply for ESTA early to avoid delays
B1/B2 Visa – for fans not eligible for the Visa Waiver/ESTA
Fans who are not from VWP countries or who plan to stay longer than 90 days need a B1/B2 tourist visa. This U.S. visa allows tourist stays as well as attendance at sporting events.
Who should apply for a B1/B2 visa?
- Citizens of countries outside the VWP
- Travelers without a biometric passport
- Fans who wish to stay longer than 90 days
- Individuals with travel history to countries subject to special security regulations
- o This includes, among others, stays in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, or Cuba (after 12 January 2021). Such travel history may exclude ESTA eligibility and require a B1/B2 visa application.
- • Dual nationals from countries with entry restrictions
- o If you hold citizenship of both a VWP country and a restricted country (e.g. Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Cuba), you must apply for a B1/B2 visa, as ESTA is not possible in such cases.
Please note that nationals who are currently on the White House travel ban list may not apply for a B1/B2 visa unless they are Dual nationals Planning to travel on their national passport that is not listed on the travel ban list
US-VISA – FULL TRAVEL BAN
For nationals of Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, all U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are suspended, and entry into the United States is fully prohibited.
Entry on Palestinian Authority (PA) travel documents is also fully suspended, regardless of nationality.
US-VISA – PARTIAL RESTRICTIONS
Nationals of Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe are ineligible for U.S. immigrant visas (IV) and for nonimmigrant visas in categories B-1/B-2, F, M and J.
Special case Turkmenistan: Immigrant visas remain suspended; B-1/B-2/F/M/J are no longer suspended.
US-VISA – EXCEPTIONS
Not affected are persons who already legally reside in the United States, hold a valid U.S. visa or travel document, dual nationals using the passport of a non-affected country, as well as athletes and teams traveling to major international sporting events (e.g. World Cup or Olympic Games).
Applying for a B1/B2 visa – step by step
- Complete the DS-160 online application form
- Pay the visa fee (MRV fee)
- Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Prepare documents:
- Passport
- Photo
- Residence permit for Germany (if applicable).
- Evidence of strong ties in Germany (such as employment or family)
- Proof of financial means
- 5. Attend the interview: A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Digital fingerprint scans are also taken as part of the application process.
Practical notes
- The visa allows stays of up to 6 months
- A visa does not guarantee entry – the final decision is made by border officials
- Applying early increases the chances of timely approval
Special aspects of the FIFA World Cup 2026
- Millions of fans are expected, leading to a high demand for ESTA and B1/B2 applications
- The FIFA PASS Program prioritizes World Cup ticket holders for B1/B2 interview appointments.
- Fans from countries with strict entry requirements should start planning well in advance.
Practical information for entry into the country
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay in the United States. Unless you are a national listed under the Six-Month Club list.
- Keep documents readily available: ESTA confirmation or B1/B2 visa, return ticket, proof of accommodation
- On the border stay calm and polite, give clear and direct answers to the CBP Officers.
- Allow sufficient time for security checks
- Check entry requirements regularly
Summary for fans
- ESTA: for VWP countries, stays up to 90 days
- B1/B2 visa: for all other fans or longer stays
- Plan early: the World Cup will attract millions of visitors
- Complete documents facilitate entry
With careful preparation, nothing will stand in the way of an unforgettable World Cup experience in the USA.
Visa application for the FIFA World Cup 2026
To ensure that your trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA runs smoothly, we provide reliable support with both ESTA and B1/B2 visa applications. Our goal is to make sure your dream of attending the World Cup does not fall apart. We guide you step by step through the process, review your documents, and answer all your questions so that you can enter the country safely and stress-free.
