USA
World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup takes place in the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. If you are travelling to attend:
- sign up to get email updates on travel advice for USA
- download the official FIFA World Cup 26 app (on iOS and on Android), and check the official World Cup 2026 website to stay informed of anything that might affect your travel or plans whilst in the US
- see the US Embassy London World Cup 2026 page for the latest information on World Cup specific travel
- entry requirements, and local laws and customs, will be different for each of the countries co-hosting the tournament. If you are planning to visit or transit through more than one country, check the Travel Advice page for each country
In the US, matches will be hosted in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. Expect other cities and popular tourist destinations across the US to be busier than usual during the tournament.
Visa and entry requirements
Check the entry requirements for the US, especially information on passport validity, visa requirements and applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
If you have purchased FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets directly from FIFA, you can make a US visa appointment through FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS).
If you are travelling to the US by land from Canada or Mexico, you may be required to complete an electronic arrival/departure record (Form I‑94), which records your entry and how long you are allowed to stay. You can apply in advance or access your record using the CBP I‑94 website. Check if this applies to you before travelling.
If you are traveling with an ESTA, you must be able to show proof that you have booked a journey departing the USA when you enter. If you cannot provide evidence of onward travelyou may be refused entry. The final decision will be at the discretion of US Customs and Border Protection.
If you have questions about US Customs and Border Protection processes, you can use their online Ask Compass AI tool.
If travelling with anyone aged 17 years or under, check the “Children and young people” section on the Entry Requirements page.
You may be required to show evidence of your accommodation to immigration officials on arrival. If you are planning to visit or transit through more than one country, check the entry requirements and Travel Advice page for each country.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destination and take out appropriate travel insurance for the full duration of your trip. Your insurance should cover your planned itinerary, activities and any costs related to emergencies.
If you have ‘worldwide’ travel insurance, be sure this includes cover for all of your destinations and be aware of any excluded regions. If you’re travelling to a region where medical costs are high, such as the United States or Canada, check that your policy offers adequate cover. Remember that without travel insurance, you will be left to cover these costs entirely out of pocket.
Medical treatment in the United States is not free, and healthcare costs can be high. Make sure your travel insurance includes cover for medical treatment, hospitalisation and medical evacuation. Check that your policy is suitable for your planned activities and covers the full duration of your stay.
Match tickets and stadium entry
Only purchase tickets through the official FIFA ticketing platform; no tickets will be sold at stadiums. To enter the stadium, you will need an official ticket on the FIFA World Cup app. Printed copies or screenshots may not be accepted at stadium gates. Each ticket is linked to the purchaser’s details, and ID checks may be required upon entry.
Tickets sold on unofficial resale websites, social media, or through third-party vendors may not be genuine. Fraudulent tickets can look legitimate but may be rejected at the stadium gate, leaving you without entry on match day. Some scammers sell the same ticket to multiple buyers or resell tickets that have already been voided by FIFA Ticketing. Even if a ticket scans at the gate, you may be denied entry if it is flagged as invalid or already used. Unofficial sources often inflate prices significantly, especially for high-demand matches like play-offs or rivalry matchups without any guarantee of authenticity.
Check the official FIFA World Cup 2026 ticketing page for more information.
Ensure you check the FIFA World Cup 2026 App for any match you are attending. This sets out what you can bring into the World Cup stadiums.
Accommodation
There will be very high demand for accommodation. Plan ahead to ensure you have accommodation during your stay. You may be required to show evidence of your accommodation to immigration officials on arrival.
Transport to and from the events
Transport routes around the stadiums will be very busy during the tournament. Some venues will be a considerable distance from the host city with varying travel options. You can visit the official World Cup fixtures page or the app for more information on the venues for each match.
Local authorities may ask you to enter or leave the stadium by specific routes. Make sure you:
- plan your journey ahead of time
- leave plenty of time for journeys, particularly on match days
If you’re planning to hire a car or use taxis in the US, check the ‘Transport Risks’ section on the Safety and Security page for more information.
Fan zones and public viewings
During the World Cup 2026, the FIFA Fan Festival will be the central fan destination for local communities as well as fans from around the globe.
The USA FIFA Fan Festivals will be hosted in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Fan Zones and Public Viewing areas will be available across the US. There may be restrictions on what you can take into football viewing venues and live viewing areas, and restrictions may vary between states.
Check the official World Cup 2026 website for information about the FIFA Fan Festivals and the individual locations.
Laws and cultural differences
Local laws in the US may vary by state. While you are in a state, you are subject to both that state’s laws and national (federal) law. Not following all US state and federal laws can put your visa status and future travel to the US at risk. You are expected to have a copy of your ESTA or Visa and proof of identity with you at all times.
If protests take place, follow the instructions of local authorities who may introduce curfews or emergency orders. See more information on the Safety and security page.
For more information, check the ‘Laws and cultural differences’ section on the Safety and Security page.
Drugs and alcohol regulations
The laws relating to the purchase and consumption of alcohol and drugs can differ between states and countries.
The national legal age for buying alcohol is 21 across the US.
It is illegal in many parts of the US to have an ‘open container’ of alcohol in public places, including on the street or in a vehicle. You should check and follow local state and city laws, as penalties can include fines or arrest.
Some substances that are banned in the UK are legal in the US, but that does not make them safe to consume. Rules vary by state, and crossing an international border with drugs is a serious offence even if the substance can legally be consumed on both sides of the border.
See more advice on the Safety and Security page.
LGBT+
Read the advice for LGBT+ travellers in the US on the Safety and Security page and check the entry requirements which may apply to LGBT+ travellers.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Read the advice on the US Safety and Security page for information on extreme weather and natural disasters. This includes hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires and volcanic eruptions.
Support for British Nationals
If you need support from the FCDO, including if you are hospitalised, arrested or lose your passport, see our Getting help page.