ESTA and B-2 visa for international fans at the 2026 World Cup in the USA

Eleven of sixteen 2026 World Cup host cities are in the United States. International fans need either an ESTA or a B-2 visa to attend. Processing times and document requirements have tightened in 2026; planning ahead matters. ## ESTA: Visa Waiver Program countries If you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country (most of the EU, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.), ESTA is the path. Apply online via the official CBP site, fee around 21 USD, approval typically within 72 hours though Customs and Border Protection asks for 7 days minimum before travel. ## ESTA validity Valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit must be 90 days or less. Multiple entries allowed within the validity window. ## B-2 visa: everyone else Travelers from non-VWP countries need a B-2 tourist visa. Apply via the US embassy in your country: DS-160 form, in-person interview, biometrics. Processing times in 2026 run 60 to 180 days depending on the embassy; the Mexico City embassy is among the fastest, while several South American embassies have multi-month backlogs. ## What to bring at entry Passport valid 6+ months past your trip. Approved ESTA or B-2 visa in passport. Proof of accommodation, return flight, and financial means. Match ticket confirmations help but are not strictly required. ## What you cannot do on ESTA or B-2 Work, including remote work for non-US clients while physically in the US. The IRS and CBP have aligned tighter on this; do not log paid hours while in the US on a tourist status. Watching matches and tourism only. ## Border crossings to Canada or Mexico ESTA does not automatically allow re-entry after side trips. Stay within the US for the duration if your trip is short; if multi-country, check the latest CBP guidance on re-entry windows.