World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in three countries: Canada, the United States and Mexico, making it the first tournament in history to be hosted by three countries. This global sporting event attracts football fans from all over the world, opening up new horizons for tourism and travel. Hosting the tournament in three countries enhances the opportunities to explore diverse cultures and unique tourist attractions, making the experience richer and more diverse.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a great opportunity not only to watch exciting matches, but also to discover the host cities and their attractions. Fans can enjoy a wide range of tourist activities, from visiting museums and historical sites in Canada, to national parks and recreational areas in the United States, to the rich culture and delicious food in Mexico. This cultural and geographical diversity adds value to the fan experience, making every trip unique.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to have a significant impact on tourism and travel in the host countries. Hotels, restaurants and public transport will experience a boom as more international visitors arrive. In addition, there will be new economic opportunities and temporary jobs to support this mega event. In this sense, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a major catalyst for economic growth and tourism development in the region.
Overall, the 2026 World Cup represents a golden opportunity to combine the love of football with tourism and travel, providing fans with an unforgettable experience that combines sporting excitement with cultural exploration. There is no doubt that this tournament will leave a significant mark on the sports and tourism landscape alike, contributing to strengthening the bonds between different peoples and cultures.
Procedures and visas required for travel
To attend the 2026 World Cup, whether in Canada or traveling between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, you will need different visas. It is essential to plan ahead to ensure you have all the required documents to avoid any hurdles on your trip. In this section, we will explain the visa procedures and entry requirements for each country.
For the United States, most visitors are required to obtain a tourist visa (B-2) To enter. The application process requires submitting Form DS-160, paying the required fees, and booking an interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. It is preferable to apply several months before the date of travel because the procedures may take a long time, especially during the peak season.
In Canada, visitors need a visitor visa (Visitor Visa) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) depending on their nationality. The application process involves submitting an application online, uploading the required documents, and paying the fee. It is recommended to check the official Canadian government website for up-to-date details on visa requirements for your nationality.
As for Mexico, entry requires a tourist visa (Tourist Visa) For most nationalities. The visa can be obtained from the Mexican embassy in your country or apply for an electronic entry permit (FMM) Online. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
It is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents such as passport, visas, and airline tickets, as well as proof of residence and travel details. It is advisable to check the official travel websites of each country for the latest information on entry requirements and security procedures.
Number of continental seats in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will see significant changes to the continental tournament, with the number of participating teams increasing from 32 to 48. This expansion aims to enhance global competition and provide more opportunities for teams from around the world to participate in this prominent sporting event.
As for the distribution of seats, Europe got the largest share thanks to its football strength and historical record in the tournament, as it has 16 seats. Africa comes after it, which got 9 seats, in a significant increase that reflects the remarkable improvement in the level of African teams on the international stage.
Asia has been allocated 8 places, allowing more countries to participate in the tournament. This increase reflects the growing confidence in the ability of Asian teams to compete at the highest level. As for South America, it retains 6 places, reflecting its long history in the tournament and its ability to always present strong teams.
North and Central America and the Caribbean got 6 places, which increases the chances of teams from this region to appear on the world stage. Finally, Oceania got one place, with the opportunity to qualify via a play-off with other confederations, which gives them an additional chance to be at the tournament.
This new distribution of continental seats in the 2026 World Cup reflects the trend towards making the tournament more inclusive and global. It provides greater opportunities for teams from different continents to participate and compete, enhancing the global football scene and increasing the popularity of tourism and travel to attend the 2026 World Cup.
Number of Africa seats in the 2026 World Cup
Among the continents that have benefited greatly from the increase in the number of teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, Africa is at the forefront. FIFA has announced an increase in the number of places allocated to Africa in the tournament, giving African teams a greater opportunity to participate in this global sporting event. Africa is set to receive nine direct places, plus an additional place that can be competed for via play-off matches, bringing the continent’s total quota to ten teams.
This increase in the number of seats enhances the chances of African teams to participate in the next season of the 2026 World Cup, and contributes to raising the level of competition between African teams during the tournament qualifiers. Teams that previously had difficulty qualifying will now find a greater opportunity to achieve their dream of participating in the most prominent global football event.
The increase in the number of seats allocated to Africa also means that football fans on the continent will have a greater opportunity to watch their favourite teams compete on the world stage. This in turn could have a positive impact on tourism and travel within and outside the continent, as fans can travel to support their teams and share in the festive atmosphere of the World Cup.
Indeed, tourism and travel to attend the 2026 World Cup could witness a remarkable boom with the increasing number of African teams participating. The increase in the number of seats is an encouragement for African teams to work harder and achieve distinguished results in the qualifiers, and to appear at an honorable level in the tournament. This move by FIFA is not only a boost to the sport, but also an opportunity to lift the morale of millions of football fans on the African continent.
2026 World Cup Stadiums
Stadiums are one of the most important elements in organizing the World Cup, as they play a crucial role in providing a distinctive experience for fans and players alike. In the 2026 World Cup, three northern countries - Canada, the United States, and Mexico - will host the tournament matches in a number of distinguished and technologically advanced stadiums.
In Canada, the matches will be held in modern stadiums that provide all the latest technologies to ensure an ideal experience for the fans. Among these stadiums, we can mention “PC Place"In Vancouver and"BMO FieldIn Toronto. These stadiums are equipped with the latest audio and visual systems, in addition to entertainment and shopping areas inside the stadium.
In the United States, the country will host some of the largest and most advanced stadiums. The most prominent of these stadiums are:MetLife Stadium"In New Jersey and"Rose BowlIn California. These stadiums are characterized by their large capacity that can accommodate tens of thousands of fans, in addition to advanced technical equipment that ensures broadcasting matches in high quality.
In Mexico, the country will host matches in stadiums with a long history and modern facilities. Among these stadiums, the “Azteca Stadium"In Mexico City and"BBVA Stadium“In Monterrey. These stadiums are not only distinguished by their architectural design, but they are also equipped with the latest technology to ensure the comfort and safety of fans.
Organizing tourism and travel to attend the 2026 World Cup requires taking into account many factors, including choosing stadiums that provide the best possible experience for fans. Host stadiums in Canada, the United States, and Mexico promise a distinctive sporting atmosphere and top-level technical equipment, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
2026 World Cup Match Schedule
The 2026 World Cup match schedule is a vital element for anyone planning to travel and attend matches. The schedule begins with the preliminary rounds, which include the group stage, where 48 teams will compete in 12 groups. The matches will be held in different cities, providing diverse opportunities for tourism, travel and enjoying local cultures.
The tournament will kick off with an opening match that will captivate the world and is one of the most anticipated matches. The group stage will then begin over two weeks, with teams competing for top spot and qualification for the next round. This will be an exciting and thrilling period, with teams from all over the world putting their best foot forward.
After the group stage, the tournament moves to the knockout stages, starting with the round of 32, then the round of 16, the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, and finally the final. These stages require careful planning by fans who want to follow their favorite teams until the end. The matches will be held in famous stadiums known for their high quality and advanced equipment, which adds to the tourism and travel experience for attending the 2026 World Cup.
The schedule also includes rest days between rounds to give teams time to recover and prepare. These periods are an opportunity for fans to explore the host cities and enjoy the local attractions and rich culture. Football fans can plan their trips based on the match schedule, allowing them to make the most of their sporting and tourism experience.
Thanks to modern technology, fans can follow daily updates of the match schedule online, making it easier to plan ahead and ensure that no important match is missed. Knowing the match schedule helps fans organize their trips efficiently and make the most of the tourism opportunities available during the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are the decisive stage that determines the teams participating in the tournament. Each continent has a different qualifying system, with national teams from different countries competing to qualify for the final tournament. In Europe, teams play a group stage followed by play-offs. The groups consist of teams competing in a home-and-away system, with the winners qualifying directly, while the second-placed teams compete in play-offs to determine the remaining qualifiers.
In Asia, the qualifiers are organized in several stages. National teams start with preliminary matches, followed by a group stage in which teams are divided into groups, with the best teams advancing to the final stage. The African continent follows a similar system, with teams playing preliminary matches followed by a group stage, with the winners advancing to the finals.
In South America, teams compete in a league consisting of one group, where each team faces the other in a home-and-away system, and the winners qualify directly for the World Cup. North and Central America and the Caribbean follow a multi-stage system that begins with preliminary matches, then the group stage, and ends with play-off matches.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are scheduled to begin in 2023, with matches spread over the next three years leading up to the tournament. This system ensures that all teams have a fair chance to qualify and participate in this major global event, increasing the attractiveness of tourism and travel to attend the 2026 World Cup.
Match attendance and ticket conditions
To attend the 2026 World Cup, there are a number of conditions that fans must adhere to to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. First, all fans must have valid tickets to enter the stadiums. Tickets are usually sold online through the official FIFA website, and it is advisable to buy them early to avoid running out. When purchasing tickets, accurate personal information must be provided to ensure that tickets are not used illegally.
In addition, there are strict security measures in place at the stadiums to ensure the safety of all attendees. Fans must pass through security checkpoints upon entering the stadiums, where prohibited items such as sharp objects or large liquids are not allowed. Fans are also required to show valid identification, and personal searches may be conducted to ensure there are no security threats.
It is also important to adhere to the rules of conduct inside the stadiums, which include avoiding the use of profanity or violence. Respecting others and complying with the instructions of security personnel are essential to maintaining a safe and enjoyable sporting environment for all. It is preferable to arrive at the stadiums well in advance of the start of the matches to avoid crowding and to ensure smooth passage through the security checks.
Fans are also advised to check the guidelines for each stadium, as some conditions and procedures may differ from one stadium to another. Knowing this information in advance can help avoid any unexpected problems or delays. Fans can take advantage of the public transport services dedicated to major sporting events to facilitate access to the stadiums and reduce traffic congestion.
