International visitors entering the United States for the 2026 international soccer tournament must hold either an approved ESTA travel authorization or a valid B1/B2 visitor visa. A match ticket, tournament accommodation booking or fan credential does not replace standard U.S. immigration requirements.
Here is what you need to know.
If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country (including most of the EU, the UK, Australia, Japan and South Korea), you do not need to apply for a visa at an embassy. Apply online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The cost is $40.27 USD per application. ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. It allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. Most applications are approved within minutes, but you should apply at least 72 hours before departure.
If your ESTA is denied, you must pivot to the embassy visa process.
If your country does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program (such as India, Colombia, Jordan or other qualifying nations outside the framework), you must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visitor visa.
The total cost is $435 USD, including the base processing fee of $185 and a mandatory $250 Visa Integrity Fee. You must complete the online DS-160 form, pay the fees, upload a digital photo and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Because embassy wait times are heavily backlogged, the U.S. Department of State has activated a priority scheduling system for match ticket holders.
If you have purchased official match tickets, you may be eligible to opt into a priority appointment scheduling system through your ticketing portal. This grants access to prioritized embassy interview slots, reducing wait times to a six to eight-week window. It is strictly a scheduling accelerator and does not guarantee visa approval.
Additionally, the visa bond requirement has been waived for eligible tournament ticket holders from select qualifying countries.
The 2026 tournament splits matches across three countries. If you enter the U.S. under an ESTA, a side trip to Mexico or Canada does not reset your 90-day clock. Time spent in Canada or Mexico counts toward your original 90-day U.S. entry limit.
Travel with digital or printed copies of your tournament itinerary and flight confirmations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will want to see proof of your intent to exit North America once your matches conclude.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an ESTA ($40.27). All others need a B1/B2 visitor visa ($435).
No. A match ticket does not serve as a travel authorization.
At least 72 hours before departure. Most applications are approved within minutes.
No. Time spent in Canada or Mexico counts toward your original 90-day U.S. entry limit.
Yes. Ticket holders may be eligible for prioritized embassy interview scheduling through their ticketing portal.
Globe Life Field in the Arlington Entertainment District. Get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026.
