LAST REVIEWED: 12 JUNE 2026
TL;DR: The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on 11 June 2026 with matches in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. UK passport holders do not need a visa for the USA (ESTA required) or Canada (eTA required) and can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. Ticket holders should confirm entry conditions, travel insurance, and currency before departure.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, with the opening ceremony held in Canada and the first group stage matches underway across the three co-host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, expanded to 48 teams and the first to span three countries, runs until the final on 19 July 2026.
For UK fans who have secured tickets, or who are considering travel to catch matches in person, the logistics differ substantially from a European tournament. The three host nations have different entry systems, climates, currencies, and practical considerations for travellers.
Entry Requirements for UK Passport Holders
**United States:** UK citizens travelling to the USA for tourism, including attending sporting events, must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) under the Visa Waiver Programme. An ESTA costs $21 USD, covers multiple trips over two years, and should be applied for at least 72 hours before departure via the official US Customs and Border Protection website. Travellers who have previously been denied a US visa or who have visited certain countries may not be eligible for the VWP and would need a visitor visa instead.
**Canada:** UK passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly into Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7, is linked electronically to the passport, and can be applied for at the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. It is not required if travelling by land from the USA, though entry is still subject to border officer discretion.
**Mexico:** UK nationals can enter Mexico for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 180 days. A tourist card (Forma Migratoria Multiple) is typically issued on arrival at the airport. Travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates, though this is not a strict legal requirement for Mexico it is standard carrier and border advice.
Currency and Spending
All three host countries use different currencies. The USA uses US dollars, Canada uses Canadian dollars, and Mexico uses Mexican pesos. Sterling exchange rates at the time of travel will affect the real cost of tickets, hotels, food, and transport.
UK travellers should consider using a travel money card or a bank account designed for overseas spending to avoid foreign transaction fees. Cash is useful in Mexico in smaller cities; major US and Canadian cities are largely card-based.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly advised for all three destinations, and essential for medical cover in the United States. US healthcare costs for uninsured visitors can be extremely high. A standard travel insurance policy for a trip to North America should be checked to confirm it covers medical expenses, emergency repatriation, trip cancellation, and baggage. Some policies have exclusions for events with large crowds, so verifying the policy wording against the trip context is worthwhile.
Getting Around
Venue cities span large distances across the three countries. The USA hosts the most games, with matches at venues in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. Travelling between venues in the USA typically means flying.
In Mexico, the main venues are in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Mexico City has a large metro system and is manageable by public transport for central areas, though taxis and ride-share apps are common.
In Canada, matches are being held in Toronto and Vancouver. Both cities have functional public transit, though distances between the two cities require a domestic flight.
Fixture Planning
England and Scotland both qualified for the 2026 tournament. England are in a group that involves fixtures in the USA. UK fans who purchased tickets before the draw should confirm their specific match venues and check the distance between fixtures if attending multiple games.
Full fixture lists and group stage standings are available on the official FIFA website at fifa.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK fans need a visa for the World Cup in America?
No visa is required but an ESTA is mandatory for UK travellers flying to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme. It costs $21 USD and must be approved before departure. It is not the same as a visa and is obtained through the official CBP website.
Do I need a visa for Canada for the World Cup?
UK passport holders flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), not a visa. It costs CAD $7 and is applied for online at the IRCC website. It is not required for land entry.
Is Mexico safe for UK football fans?
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises travellers to exercise caution in parts of Mexico. The main World Cup venues in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are in areas where significant tourism infrastructure exists, but travellers should read current FCDO advice for their specific destinations before travelling.
How long is the World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The group stage concludes in late June, with knockout rounds through July culminating in the final on 19 July.
