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.
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.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) - Visitor Visa
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.

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 |
Your travel itinerary demonstrates genuine tourism intent and organized planning. A strong itinerary should include:
1. Match Attendance Details
2. Accommodation Arrangements
3. Transportation Plans
4. Additional Tourism Activities
5. Departure Confirmation