Documents: 2026 World Cup in Canada
The 2026 World Cup will partly take place in Canada. Here are the required documents to enter the country and attend matches without issues.
A Canada eTA is required for most travellers.
eTA applications increase significantly during the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada. If you plan to attend matches on Canadian soil, it is essential to know the documents required to enter Canada. Contrary to popular belief, a World Cup match ticket is not enough: every traveller must comply with current Canadian immigration rules. Depending on your nationality and your mode of transport, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa may be required, in addition to a valid passport. This guide outlines the formalities you need to plan for travelling to Canada during the 2026 World Cup.
⭐ Key essentials — Documents for the 2026 World Cup in Canada
- 🇨🇦 The 2026 World Cup will take place partly in Canada.
- 🛂 A valid passport is mandatory for all travellers.
- ✅ A Canada eTA is required for visa-exempt nationals arriving by air.
- 📑 A Canadian visa may be required depending on your nationality.
- 🎟️ A match ticket does not replace entry formalities.
- ✈️ Requirements vary depending on country of origin and means of transport.
Attending the 2026 World Cup in Canada is an exceptional experience, but it requires thorough administrative preparation. Canada applies strict entry rules that are independent of international sporting events. In other words, a match ticket does not grant any automatic right to enter the country. Every supporter must comply with the immigration formalities in force at the time of travel. Passport, travel authorization and supporting documents are part of routine checks. This section details the essential documents to prepare before departing for the 2026 World Cup.
🛂 A passport is mandatory for all travellers, regardless of nationality or length of stay.
To enter Canada for the 2026 World Cup, you must have a valid passport. Canada does not impose a strict minimum validity period beyond the return date, but it is strongly recommended that the passport covers the entire duration of the stay, with no imminent expiration.
👉 Key points to check before departure:
⚠️ Warning: a national identity card is never sufficient to enter Canada, even for a tourist stay related to the World Cup.
🎟️ No. A 2026 World Cup ticket does not replace any travel document.
Many travellers mistakenly believe that holding an official match ticket makes it easier to enter the host country. In reality, Canadian authorities do not consider a match ticket as proof of entry eligibility.
The ticket may however:
But it never exempts you from the following formalities:
✅ The ticket is therefore a complement, never a substitute for mandatory documents.
🛃 Upon arrival in Canada, immigration officers may request several documents in addition to your passport and travel authorization.
It is recommended to have the following available (paper or digital format):
Checks may be reinforced during the World Cup due to international crowds. A clear and coherent file reduces the risk of delays or refusal of entry.
Before travelling to Canada for the 2026 World Cup, it is essential to determine which travel authorization is required based on your nationality. Two systems exist: the Canadian visa and the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This distinction is crucial to avoid errors that could result in boarding denial or refusal of entry.
🌍 Canada applies a differentiated system based on country of origin.
🆚 Simple comparison:
⚠️ Important: if you require a visa, an eTA is not sufficient.
👥 All foreign supporters must hold a valid authorization before departure.
In general:
👉 The rule depends on:
📌 Canada publishes an official list of countries:
Before making any reservations, it is essential to:
⏳ Good news for supporters: the eTA and visa generally allow multiple entries.
This makes it possible to:
⚠️ The maximum length of stay per entry is decided by the immigration officer (often up to 6 months).
📅 Do not wait until the last minute.
Clear recommendations:
💻 Most applications are made online, with:
👉 During the World Cup period, processing times may increase. Anticipation remains the best strategy to travel with peace of mind and fully enjoy the 2026 World Cup in Canada.
Attending the 2026 World Cup in Canada is not limited to purchasing a match ticket. With the exceptional influx of supporters from all over the world, preparation plays a key role in avoiding unexpected issues. Anticipating formalities, gathering documents and understanding arrival procedures allows you to travel with confidence and fully enjoy the event from the very first days of the tournament.
📅 The 2026 World Cup will lead to a massive increase in eTA and visa applications for Canada. The earlier you prepare, the lower the risk.
Recommended best practices:
Even though an eTA is usually issued quickly, additional checks may extend processing times during the World Cup. For visas, anticipation is essential, as timelines vary by country and period.
🗂️ A well-prepared file makes airport and Canadian immigration checks easier.
Before leaving, it is recommended to gather:
📱 Practical tip: keep all documents in digital format on your phone, while also keeping offline-accessible copies. A paper version can also be useful in case of technical issues.
A clear and coherent file reassures authorities and limits questions during checks.
🛬 On match days, Canadian airports will experience heavy traffic. Planning extra time is essential.
Tips to follow:
Officers may ask you to confirm the length of stay or planned movements during the World Cup. Being prepared and providing consistent answers facilitates entry into the country.
✅ By anticipating formalities and carefully organising your documents, you give yourself the best chance to start your 2026 World Cup experience in Canada stress-free and under the best possible conditions.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, a travel authorization is mandatory to enter Canada, even to attend the 2026 World Cup. Depending on your nationality, you must apply either for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or for a Canadian visa. A match ticket never replaces these entry requirements.
Yes, the Canada eTA is generally valid for several years and allows multiple entries into the country as long as the passport remains valid. It therefore covers the 2026 World Cup, provided that each stay respects the length of stay authorized by Canadian border authorities.
Yes, it is possible to attend matches in the United States and then travel to Canada during the tournament. However, each entry into Canada requires a valid passport and, depending on nationality, a valid eTA or visa. Immigration checks apply at every border crossing.
It is strongly recommended to apply as soon as the trip is being planned. eTA applications can be processed quickly but may experience delays during periods of high demand. For a Canadian visa, the application should be submitted several weeks — or even months — before departure.