With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, everyone is excited and planning travel. But there’s a growing number of scams and fake promises being spread online and through agents. So let’s clear the confusion and share the real facts in a simple way.
1. You Do Not Need Match Tickets to Apply for a Visa
There is an important official announcement from both the Government of Canada and related authorities saying that you do not need to have FIFA World Cup tickets to apply for a visitor visa or travel authorization.
This means if someone tells you that you must buy a ticket first before applying for a visa — that’s likely a scam. Many people are being charged high amounts for ticket + visa packages that are simply fake.
2. There Is No Special FIFAVisa Category
Many people think there is a unique visa just for FIFA World Cup attendees. This is not true.
For both the USA and Canada:
- You apply under the regular visitor visa category (B-1/B-2 for the USA, Visitor Visa or eTA for Canada).
- There is no separate “FIFA World Cup visa”.
So if an agent tells you that they can apply under some special category — that’s misinformation.
3. Having Tickets Does Not Guarantee a Visa
Yes, buying match tickets may be part of your plan. But hear this clearly:
World Cup tickets do NOT guarantee that your visa will be approved.
A ticket might explain your purpose of travel, but the visa officer still has to check your profile and documents before saying yes.
So don’t pay extra fees thinking that a ticket alone will give you a visa.
4. Visa Decisions Are Based on Your Profile
Visa officers look at your personal profile — not what event you’re going to:
They consider things like:
- Your financial stability (income, bank balance)
- Your ties to home country (job, family, property)
- Your travel history (if any)
- Whether your visit is genuinely temporary
This applies for both the USA and Canada.
So if you have a strong, honest profile, your chances are better, no matter what event you’re attending.
5. It Is a Big Event — But Your Profile Matters Most
Yes, FIFA World Cup is huge and many people want to go. Because of this:
- Visa demand is high
- Many applications will be processed
- Some processing times might be longer
But remember visa is still based on your profile, not just the event.
Even if it’s a big global event, you still need to prove why you’re going and that you will return home after the trip.
Official Government Advice You Should Follow
For accurate and updated visa information:
Check the official U.S. Embassy / Consulate website for visitor visa rules.✔ Check the Government of Canada (IRCC) website for visitor visas and eTA requirements.
Official sites give you true instructions, not misleading ones. They tell you exactly what documents are required, what fees you pay and how decisions are made.
Remember: official government sources are always the best guide.
In Simple Words — What You Should Know
You don’t need World Cup tickets to apply for a visa.
There is no special FIFA visa category.
Tickets don’t guarantee visa approval.
Visa is based on your personal profile.
If you are financially stable and genuine, your chances improve.
Be cautious of scams and high-fee promises.
Final Tip
Start your visa process early, prepare your documents carefully and apply honestly. Avoid groups that ask you for extra money for guaranteed visas or special categories — because there are none.
Your travel plan can become real but only with the right information and genuine preparation.