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Canada is gearing up to host 13 matches of the men's FIFA World Cup across Toronto and Vancouver between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Canada is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of spectators for the World Cup in addition to teams from Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Panama, Croatia, Senegal, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Belgium, Qatar, and Switzerland.
If you are planning to visit Canada to watch a FIFA match, you may require a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. You can access the IRCC information tool here to determine if you require a visa or an eTA.
If you've received information or an invitation directly from FIFA to work at an official FIFA-organized event, you don't require a work permit, but you may still require a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to Canada. Green and Spiegel's Jonathan Green unpacks the eligibility criteria, applicable exemptions, and effective dates for this relaxed work permit temporary policy in his blog post.
If you haven't received direct information or invitation from FIFA, you may also require a work permit, in addition to a valid visitor visa or an eTA, to be able to work in Canada.
Here are our top 5 tips for tourists coming to Canada for the FIFA World Cup next year:
1. Apply Sooner than Later (you don't need a ticket to apply!)
Processing times continue to fluctuate and applications may take longer than the processing times posted on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Factors such as security screenings and requests for additional documents may also push an application beyond the posted standard processing times. As such, it is advisable to submit your application sooner rather than later to avoid delays.
You don't require a FIFA ticket to submit your application. In fact, having a FIFA ticket doesn't automatically guarantee that your immigration application will be approved. Applying early gives IRCC officers more time to review and process your application sufficiently in advance of your upcoming FIFA event.
2. Follow Instructions per the FIFA Canada website
The FIFA Canada website encourages applicants coming for the FIFA World Cup to flag the same in their immigration applications.
For eTA applications, the website asks applicants to type "FIFA World Cup 26" in the space for additional details in the "Background Questions" section.
For visitor visa applications, the website asks applicants to add "FIFA World Cup 26" in the space to include additional details in the "Tell us more about what you'll do in Canada" section.
3. Submit Complete Applications
Applicants should review the document checklist posted on the IRCC website to ensure that they have the required documents and forms before submitting their application. Incomplete applications often take longer to process and can result in applicants being unable to travel in time for the FIFA event.
Ensure that all documents relating to the purpose of the stay in Canada, including finances, and ties to the home country of residence are clearly discussed as part of the application.
4. Be Honest
This really goes without saying.... Always be honest!
A misrepresentation finding may happen when IRCC identifies an inconsistency, false, or misleading information, or information that is withheld. This has serious consequences for the applicant and can not only result in a refusal, but the applicant (and their family members) may also be barred from entering Canada in the future.
5. If You're Unsure, Seek Professional Advice
If you have additional questions regarding your application or are unsure about how factors like previous refusals or criminal record might impact your application, do not hesitate to contact us.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
