To attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you’ll need to navigate three key areas: ticketing, accommodations, and visa/travel authorization. Here is a step-by-step process based on the most up-to-date information.

Step 1: Secure Your Tickets

FIFA manages the ticketing process, which involves multiple phases. The first phase, a “Visa Presale Draw,” has already occurred. However, there are subsequent opportunities to purchase tickets.

1. Create a FIFA ID: If you haven’t already, go to the official FIFA ticketing website, https://www.fifa.com/tickets, and create a FIFA ID. This is a crucial first step for all ticketing processes.
2. Stay Informed: Regularly check the FIFA ticketing website for announcements on upcoming sales phases. Subsequent ticket sales phases will begin in October 2025 and continue through to the final match in July 2026.
3. Participating in Upcoming Ticket Draws: A “Second Phase: Early Ticket Draw” is expected to have its registration window from October 27-31, 2025. This will be a lottery-style system where successful applicants are randomly selected and given a time slot to purchase tickets.
4. Look for Later Phases: A “Random Selection Draw” will take place after the Final Draw for the World Cup teams (scheduled for December 5, 2025). This phase will allow you to apply for tickets to specific matches once the group stage matchups are known.
5. Consider Hospitality Packages: If you want a guaranteed ticket, FIFA’s official hospitality packages, available at https://www.fifa.com/hospitality, are already on sale. These packages often include a ticket, food, and other amenities.

Step 2: Book Your Accommodation

Once you have a plan for tickets (or at least a strong sense of which cities you’ll be in), you should book your hotels as soon as possible due to high demand.

1. Determine Your Itinerary: Identify which host cities you plan to visit based on your team’s schedule or the matches you have tickets for.
2. Search for Hotels: Use major booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb.
3. Book Directly: Check the official tourism websites of the host cities for a list of hotels, and consider booking directly with the hotel for more flexibility or special offers.
4. Look Beyond the City Center: Hotels in suburban areas or nearby towns may be more affordable and still offer easy access to stadiums via public transportation.

Step 3: Arrange Your Visa or Travel Authorization

This is a critical step that should be started well in advance, as wait times can be long. You are not required to have a ticket to begin your visa application.

For the United States:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Determine if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you are a citizen of a VWP country, you can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online. This is the simplest option.
2. Apply for a Visa (if needed): If you are not eligible for the VWP, you will need to apply for a B-2 (tourism) visa.
   • Complete the DS-160 Form: This is the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application” form, which must be completed and submitted online.
   • Pay the Fee: Pay the required visa application fee.
   • Schedule an Interview: Schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Be prepared for potentially long wait times.
   • Prepare for the Interview: Gather all required documents, including proof of ties to your home country (e.g., employment, property ownership, family), financial capability, and your travel itinerary.

For Canada:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Determine if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
   • Apply for an eTA: If you are from a visa-exempt country, you can apply for an eTA online. This is a quick and straightforward process.
   • Apply for a TRV: If you need a visa, apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This can be done online or through a paper application.
2. Gather Documents: Required documents often include a valid passport, proof of funds, and a travel itinerary.

For Mexico:

1. Check Visa Requirements: Check the official Mexican embassy or consulate website for your country of nationality. Many countries, including the U.S. and Canada, do not require a visa for short-term tourist stays.
2. Apply for a Visa (if needed): If a visa is required, follow the specific instructions on the embassy’s website. This will likely involve completing an application, providing a passport and photos, and attending an interview.

Disclaimer: This process is a general guide. All information, including dates, prices, and requirements, can change. Always consult the official FIFA, government, and embassy websites for the most current and accurate information.