Visitor Visa vs. eTA: Which One Should You Apply for to Watch Canada FIFA World Cup 2026?

Last Updated On: January 19, 2026
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be a historic sporting event, with Canada co-hosting alongside the United States and Mexico. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Canada will host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver. For international fans planning to witness this once-in-a-lifetime tournament, understanding the Canada visitor visa requirements is essential.

Understanding Canada Entry Requirements for FIFA World Cup 2026

There's no special World Cup visa, contrary to popular belief. International visitors must apply for standard Canadian travel documents based on their nationality. You don't need to have a FIFA Cup ticket to apply for a visitor visa or an eTA, and having a ticket doesn't guarantee approval.

Two Types of Travel Authorization

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) - Visitor Visa

  • Required for citizens of visa-required countries
  • Allows tourism, family visits, and event attendance
  • Available as single-entry or multiple-entry

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

  • Required for visa-exempt nationals traveling by air
  • Can take several days to process
  • Valid for multiple entries up to 5 years or until passport expiry
  • Linked electronically to your passport

Country-Specific Requirements

Country/Region Document Type Required Average Processing Time Key Considerations
India Visitor Visa (TRV) 24 days (3-4 weeks) High application volume, apply 2-3 months early
Pakistan Visitor Visa (TRV) 9 weeks Significant processing time increase, plan accordingly
Nigeria Visitor Visa (TRV) 11 weeks (85 days) Higher scrutiny, strong documentation essential
Philippines Visitor Visa (TRV) 6 weeks Moderate processing, standard requirements
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Visitor Visa (TRV) Up to 320 days Severe backlogs, apply immediately
United Kingdom eTA or Visitor Visa 31 days (visa), Minutes (eTA) eTA if visa-exempt and flying in
United States eTA 5 minutes to 72 hours eTA for air travel, visa-exempt status
Germany eTA 5 minutes to 72 hours Applications may route through Vienna office

 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule in Canada

Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) - 6 Matches

Date Match Kick-off Time (ET)
June 12, 2026 Canada vs UEFA Playoff Winner A 3:00 PM
June 15, 2026 Ghana vs Panama 7:00 PM
June 17, 2026 Germany vs Ivory Coast 4:00 PM
June 20, 2026 Panama vs Croatia 7:00 PM
June 22, 2026 Senegal vs FIFA Playoff Winner 2 3:00 PM
July 2, 2026 Round of 32 Match 7:00 PM

 

BC Place (Vancouver) - 7 Matches

Date Match Kick-off Time (PT)
June 18, 2026 Canada vs Qatar 6:00 PM
June 24, 2026 Canada vs Switzerland 3:00 PM
Multiple Dates Group Stage Matches Various
TBD Round of 32 Match TBD
TBD Round of 16 Match TBD

 

Planning Tip: Vancouver hosts both Round of 32 and Round of 16 knockout matches, making it an ideal destination for fans following the tournament's progression.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Canada visitor visa World Cup steps

Processing Times and Timeline Planning

Current Processing Time Breakdown

By Application Type:

Method Average Time Notes
eTA (Electronic) 5 minutes - 72 hours Most applicants receive within minutes
Visitor Visa (Online) 2-12 weeks Varies significantly by country
Visitor Visa (Paper) Add 3-4 months Add 3 to 4 months to account for mailing time

 

By Country (Visitor Visa):

Country Current Processing Time Recommendation
India 24 days (3-4 weeks) Apply 2-3 months before travel
United States 20-23 days Apply 2 months before travel
United Kingdom 31 days Apply 2 months before travel
Pakistan 9 weeks Apply 3-4 months before travel
Nigeria 11 weeks (85 days) Apply 4 months before travel
Philippines 6 weeks Apply 2-3 months before travel
UAE Up to 320 days Apply immediately, consider alternative plans
Germany 7-8 weeks Apply 3 months before travel

 

Travel Itinerary Requirements

What Immigration Officers Want to See

Your travel itinerary demonstrates genuine tourism intent and organized planning. A strong itinerary should include:

1. Match Attendance Details

  • FIFA World Cup match tickets (official FIFA purchase confirmation)
  • Match dates, venues (Toronto/Vancouver), and seat details
  • Transportation between venues (if attending multiple matches)

2. Accommodation Arrangements

  • Hotel bookings with confirmation numbers
  • Airbnb reservations with host details
  • Invitation letter from Canadian host (if staying with family/friends)
  • Address and contact information for all stays

3. Transportation Plans

  • Round-trip flight bookings (confirmed or hold reservations)
  • Inter-city travel arrangements (Toronto ↔ Vancouver trains/flights)
  • Local transportation considerations

4. Additional Tourism Activities

  • City tours, attractions, or experiences planned
  • Restaurant reservations or cultural events
  • Day trips or excursions
  • Duration at each location

5. Departure Confirmation

  • Return flight details
  • Clear evidence of intent to leave Canada after the tournament
  • Ongoing obligations in home country (work, family, property)

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-required countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), while visa-exempt nationals traveling by air need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

There's no special FIFA World Cup 26™ visa. You apply for a standard Canadian visitor visa or eTA and indicate your purpose is attending the tournament.

No. Holding a FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. You must meet all standard Canadian immigration requirements.

Yes. You don't need to have a FIFA Cup ticket to apply for a visitor visa or an eTA, though having tickets strengthens your application by demonstrating clear purpose.

  • Fast-Processing Countries (India, USA, UK): Apply 2–3 months before travel
  • Medium-Processing Countries (Pakistan, Philippines): Apply 3–4 months before travel
  • Slow-Processing Countries (Nigeria, UAE): Apply 4–6 months before travel