A complete guide to entering Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026, including visa and eTA requirements, rules for spectators and volunteers, and key IRCC entry considerations.

In the summer of 2026, Canada will join the United States and Mexico in co-hosting the FIFA World Cup. With 13 matches set to take place in Toronto and Vancouver, the country is preparing to welcome millions of international visitors.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50.03%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:998/1248;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11367/image.png" width="998" height="1248" alt="Fifa World Cup 2026"><figcaption>FIFA World Cup 2026</figcaption></figure>However, Canada is widely known for having one of the world’s strictest border control systems. Even a minor documentation error or a small issue in your travel history could result in your World Cup journey ending right at the port of entry.To help you avoid an unfair “red card” before kickoff, LOA Portal has compiled the most comprehensive entry guide based on the latest regulations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).<h2>Determine Your Entry Eligibility</h2>The first– and most important– step is not booking a flight or buying match tickets, but accurately&nbsp;determining under which category you are eligible to enter Canada.Entry requirements depend directly&nbsp;on the nationality stated on your passport&nbsp;and&nbsp;how you enter Canada (by air, land, or sea). As a spectator, you will fall into one of the following three categories.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:59%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:600/400;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11362/image.png" alt="Determine your entry eligibility" width="600" height="400"><figcaption>Determine your entry eligibility</figcaption></figure><h3>Entering Canada as a Spectator (Visitor)</h3>Group A: Visitor Visa Required (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)This is the most common group, particularly for citizens of Vietnam and many countries across Asia, Africa, and South America.A Canadian visitor visa is a physical visa sticker placed directly in your passport. To apply, you must prepare supporting documents demonstrating your financial capacity, employment status, ties to Vietnam, and a clear purpose of travel. After submitting your application, biometric collection (fingerprints and photo) is mandatory.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50.02%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11366/image.png" alt="Entering Canada as a Spectator (Visitor)" width="1200" height="675"><figcaption>Entering Canada as a Spectator (Visitor)</figcaption></figure>Visitor visa processing times are typically the longest and can range from several weeks to several months, especially during peak periods ahead of the World Cup when application volumes increase significantly.Group B: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) RequiredThis group applies to citizens of visa-exempt countries, including most European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and others, when&nbsp;entering Canada by air.An eTA is an electronic authorization that is directly linked to your passport number in Canada’s system. No physical visa sticker is required, and the entire application process is completed online.One important point to note: if you are from a visa-exempt country and&nbsp;enter Canada by land (from the United States) or by sea, an eTA is not required, you only need a valid passport.eTA processing times are usually very fast, with many applications approved within just a few minutes.Group C: Exceptional Cases – Visa and eTA ExemptYou may enter Canada directly at the port of entry if you fall into one of the following categories:<ul><li>U.S. citizens</li><li>U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), provided they present a valid physical Green Card and a valid passport</li><li>French citizens residing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and entering Canada directly from that territory</li></ul><h2>Working &amp; Volunteering at the FIFA World Cup 2026: What You Need to Know</h2>The FIFA World Cup is not only about spectators in the stands. Behind the tournament lies a massive ecosystem that requires tens of thousands of international personnel, including a large number of volunteers.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50.08%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/683;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11365/image.png" alt="Volunteering at the FIFA World Cup 2026" width="1024" height="683"><figcaption>Volunteering at the FIFA World Cup 2026</figcaption></figure>This is also the group most likely to misunderstand work permit regulations.Who Is Exempt from a Work Permit?IRCC applies special facilitation measures for personnel directly involved in the tournament. You are not required to apply for a work permit if you fall into one of the following categories:Players, coaches, referees, and medical staff of participating teams&nbsp;Accredited journalists, camera operators, and media personnel holding official event credentialsPersonnel and volunteers&nbsp;directly invited by FIFA, holding a valid Invitation LetterExtremely important note: Being exempt from a work permit&nbsp;does NOT&nbsp;mean you are exempt from entry visa requirements.&nbsp;For example, if you are a Vietnamese citizen invited by FIFA to volunteer, you are&nbsp;not required to apply for a work permit, but you must&nbsp;still obtain a visitor visa&nbsp;to enter Canada. Upon arrival, your FIFA invitation letter is a key document for border officers to authorize your participation in event-related activities.Who Is Required to Apply for a Work Permit?If you travel to Canada to perform commercial work related to the World Cup&nbsp;without a direct invitation from FIFA (such as selling goods at Fan Zones, working for subcontractors, stage setup, or event technical services), you are still required to apply for a work permit under the standard process.This is a point that many people misunderstand. Be sure to carefully check&nbsp;who&nbsp;issued your invitation letter and contract.<h2>Key Tips for Declaring Your Application When Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>During peak periods, IRCC processes millions of applications simultaneously. To help streamline application assessment, IRCC recommends that applicants clearly declare any World Cup–related purpose of travel.This&nbsp;does not guarantee visa approval, but it helps ensure that your application is correctly categorized.<ul><li>For a Visitor Visa:&nbsp;in the section “Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada,” clearly state “FIFA World Cup 26” and briefly describe your plan to attend matches in Toronto or Vancouver.&nbsp;</li><li>For an eTA: enter “FIFA World Cup 26” in the Additional Information section under Background Questions.</li></ul>LOA Portal’s advice: don’t treat this as a formality. If you already have match tickets, hotel bookings, or an itinerary aligned with the match schedule, be sure to include them. The more logical and well-supported your application is, the higher the chance of a positive assessment.<h2>Entry Admissibility: Key Points to Consider</h2>Canada applies the concept of&nbsp;admissibility&nbsp;very strictly. Even minor criminal records or offenses in another country can result in visa refusal or being denied entry at the airport.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50.25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:736/552;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11364/image.png" width="736" height="552" alt="Entry admissibility: key point to consider"><figcaption>Entry admissibility: key point to consider</figcaption></figure>Driving Under the Influence (DUI)In many countries, a DUI is considered a minor administrative offense. However, in Canada, it is treated as a serious criminal offense. If you have committed a DUI within the past 10 years, the risk of being denied entry is very high.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50.57%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:768/512;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11363/image.png" alt="Driving Under the Influence (DUI)" width="768" height="512"><figcaption>Driving Under the Influence (DUI)</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;Possible SolutionsDepending on your situation, you may consider:<ul><li>Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) – a temporary entry permit for exceptional cases </li><li>Criminal Rehabilitation – removal of a criminal inadmissibility if sufficient time has passed </li><li>Deemed Rehabilitation – automatic rehabilitation if the conviction is over 10 years old and eligibility criteria are met</li></ul>If you have any issues with your criminal record,&nbsp;address them before 2026. Do not wait to explain them at the border.<h2>Important Notes When Crossing the Canadian Border</h2><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:500/355;" src="https://loa-portal-ap-southeast-1.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/11361/image.png" width="500" height="355" alt="Important notes when crossing the Canadian border"><figcaption>Important notes when crossing the Canadian border</figcaption></figure>Even with a visa, the final decision rests with the border officer (CBSA). To smoothly pass through the Canadian border, keep the following in mind:<ul><li>Carrying over CAD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared. </li><li>Fresh foods, meat, dairy products, and seeds are strictly controlled (it is recommended not to bring them).</li><li>Have your documents ready: Always have your round-trip flight or exit ticket, hotel bookings, and match tickets on hand to present when asked. Being prepared helps avoid hesitation that could raise suspicion.</li></ul><h2>Conclusion&nbsp;</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a historic event. However, due to its massive scale, pressure on Canada’s visa processing system will significantly increase.Preparing early, understanding the regulations correctly, and having a clear application strategy are the only ways to fully enjoy your World Cup journey in Toronto and Vancouver.&nbsp;See more:<a href="https://loaportal.com/en/news/canada-plans-to-cut-study-permits-by-more-than-50-by-2026">Canada Plans to Cut Study Permits by More Than 50% by 2026</a><ul><li>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://loaportal.com/en/news/why-2026-is-the-best-year-to-apply-for-a-mastersphd-in-canada">Why 2026 Is the Best Year to Apply for a Master’s/PhD in Canada?</a></li></ul>

The Complete Guide to Entering Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

American Samoa

Andorra

Angola

Anguilla

Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Aruba

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory

British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

China

Christmas Island

Cocos Islands

Colombia

Comoros

Cook Islands

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cuba

Curacao

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

East Timor

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Falkland Islands

Faroe Islands

Fiji

Finland

France

French Polynesia

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Gibraltar

Greece

Greenland

Grenada

Guam

Guatemala

Guernsey

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Isle of Man

Hitachi Energy will invest C$479 million in a London, Ontario plant for transformer insulation, adding Canadian supply capacity and creating 100+ skilled jobs.

On October 16, 2026, <a href="https://www.hitachienergy.com/company/company-profile">Hitachi Energy</a> announced a CAD 479 million investment to develop a manufacturing facility for electrical insulation materials used in power transformers in London, Ontario. The project is expected to be completed in 2028 and create more than 100 skilled technical jobs.This investment marks more than the addition of a new manufacturing facility in Canada. It also reflects the growing need to strengthen the electrical equipment supply chain as energy demand continues to rise. The expansion of data centres, industrial activity, and electrification is placing greater demands on power infrastructure, highlighting the importance of essential materials and components that support reliable electricity transmission and distribution.<h2>What Will the New Facility Produce?&nbsp;</h2>Spanning approximately 21,000 square metres, the new facility will focus on manufacturing pressboard and laminate insulation materials. These specialized materials are used to electrically insulate internal components in power and distribution transformers. &nbsp;

Hitachi Energy Invests C$479 Million in London, Ontario

Compare Data Analytics and Computer Science by curriculum, coding, math, career paths and study options in Canada to find the right fit.

Data Analytics vs Computer Science: Which Should You Choose?

What’s New for Studying in Canada in 2026? Updates on Study Permits, PAL/TAL, Master’s & PhD, Bachelor’s and College Programs, Plus a Document Preparation Checklist

Study in Canada 2026: New Policies, PAL/TAL, and Study Permits

Canadian Street Art: How Cities Tell Their Own Stories

Pakistan

Syria

Ways International Students in Canada Can Earn Extra Income: On-Campus, Off-Campus, and Remote Work

The Complete Guide to Entering Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Interested in this program?

You may be interested

Hitachi Energy Invests C$479 Million in London, Ontario

Data Analytics vs Computer Science: Which Should You Choose?

Study in Canada 2026: New Policies, PAL/TAL, and Study Permits

Get the latest news