If you’re travelling from the UK for the FIFA World Cup 2026, take entry permissions and border crossings seriously. Treat them very much as part of your match planning, not an afterthought. The concluding World Cup stages run from 11th June across 16 host cities in the USA, Mexico and Canada, leading to the final in New York on 19th July. So, wherever you’re going, it’s worth preparing in detail to maximise your enjoyment while you are there.
In this article there’s a quick overview of where the home nations currently stand, and what we know about the tickets. And we’ll look at what UK citizens typically need to enter each host country and move between them.
FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures for the UK nations
England and Scotland have qualified. Wales and Northern Ireland still have European play-offs in March 2026, so their respective World Cup status is not yet known.
| Team | Group | Confirmed group-stage matches ) |
| England | L | · 17th June vs Croatia (Dallas, USA)
· 23rd June vs Ghana (Boston/Foxborough, USA) · 27th June vs Panama (New York, USA) |
| Scotland | C | · *14th June vs Haiti (Boston/Foxborough, USA)
· 19th June vs Morocco (Boston/Foxborough, USA) · 24th June vs Brazil (Miami, USA) |
| *Subject to confirmation: FIFA website gives both 14th and 13th June for this match. | ||
Wales host Bosnia and Herzegovina on 26th March, while Northern Ireland play Italy the same night. Winners progress to a one-off qualifying final on 31st March for a World Cup place.
FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets: what’s confirmed and how to buy safely
Demand is intense. On 14th January, Reuters news agency quoted FIFA as saying they had received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during the 33-day application window that closed on 13th.
With that window now closed, FIFA will run a lottery to decide who gets tickets. Applicants will be emailed in February with the outcome. If they’ve been allocated tickets, they will be charged automatically. Team-specific and FA allocated tickets will be released later in the spring, with remaining tickets being sold closer to the tournament itself.
The cost of tickets has been contentious. And although there was a more recently introduced “Supporter Entry Tier” starting at $60 (approx. £45) the number and availability of these tickets is not yet clear. Those wishing to re-sell their tickets can do so, but it is strongly advised that it’s done through the FIFA re-sale facility. Both sellers and buyers should avoid unofficial re-sale sites, to avoid doubts as to authenticity.
Entry requirements for UK citizens – the essentials
For most UK visitors, travel to North America requires a passport plus at least one online pre-travel authorisation (Canada and the USA) or a tourist entry permit on arrival (Mexico). The table below summarises the common requirements for short tourist trips on a full British citizen passport.
Host countries have put additional resources in place to help smooth travel authorisation but you should not rely on doing things at the last minute.
| Host country | What UK visitors usually need | World Cup-specific notes |
| Canada | eTA if arriving by air (plus passport) | Canada has published World Cup 26 guidance for fans and a clear “apply early” message. |
| USA | ESTA approval to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), for eligible travellers | VWP travel is typically for stays of 90 days or less; ESTA must be approved before travel. |
| Mexico | No visa required for UK tourists. Entry permit on arrival (plus passport) | Read the UK’s Mexico advice for World Cup guidance and regional safety notes. |
| Key to abbreviations | ||
| eTA |
Electronic Travel Authorisation – An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. |
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| ESTA |
Electronic System for Travel Authorization – an electronic approval for citizens of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less, without needing a conventional visa. |
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| VWP |
Visa Waiver Program – UK citizens can use the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism or business trips under 90 days by getting an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling; it’s essential to apply on the official ESTA website. |
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| See the useful links at the foot of this article. | ||
A key passport check is worth doing early.
For travel to the USA under the VWP, you need a biometric passport. British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in the UK. Some travel history can also affect VWP eligibility, meaning a visa application instead. If you believe you have visited or lived in a country now with restricted travel rights to the US, contact the US Embassy to check eligibility.
Three more practical points to help avoid surprises.
First, a match ticket is not an entry document: it does not replace an eTA, ESTA or visa.
Second, if you are not eligible for visa-free travel to the USA, FIFA has said ticket holders may be prioritised for US visa appointments via a programme it calls “FIFA PASS”.
Finally, check on the travel advice section of gov.uk for up-to-date requirements. Then visit the embassy or high commission websites for the relevant destination countries – links are listed below.
Moving between Canada, the USA and Mexico
Treat each border as a fresh entry decision. If you fly from Canada to the USA, you must meet US requirements (including ESTA for VWP travellers). Fly into Canada and you will need the correct Canadian authorisation (often an eTA). When enter Mexico, expect standard entry formalities even if you have just come from another host country.
Before you leave the UK, assemble a simple document pack:
- Passport, plus printed and digital copies of your eTA/ESTA confirmations
- Proof of accommodation and return/onward travel
- Travel insurance details
- Match ticket confirmation accessible in your FIFA account/app
Currency planning across three countries – the versatility of Money4Travel
The World Cup’s three-country format can mean three currencies: Canadian or US Dollars, and Mexican Peso (USD, CAD and MXN) and three sets of everyday payment habits. Notes and coins still smooth out the basics, from tipping to transport contingencies.
Money4Travel supports that “plan it before you fly” discipline. You can compare the best available travel money rates based on your postcode, and order foreign currency in advance, rather than relying on airport exchange bureaux or hotels on arrival.
Next month’s article will investigate US-specific travel details and everyday costs. In the meantime, focus on entry permissions first, then your currency plan.
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Money4Travel.com – the online service for foreign currency sales in the UK. More about the author.
Links: References & Acknowledgements: FIFA World Cup 2026™ match schedule; UEFA Qualifiers; Reuters – FIFA: “more than 500 million ticket requests”; BBC – World Cup ticket ballot opens – here’s all you need to know; eTA Canada; gov.uk/Canada; Canadian High Commission; Canada Heritage/FIFA World Cup; gov.uk/USA; US Embassy; USA ESTA; gov.uk/Mexico; Mexican Embassy.
Every effort has been made to provide accurate information. Always check with official sources before committing to travel arrangements and expenditure.
