FIFA World Cup 2026

Last Updated
Tuesday, 23/12/2025

 

This page is for Australians travelling to the FIFA World Cup 2026 from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

On this page:

Match locations

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by cities in:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • United States of America (USA).

Visit the official website for the list of host cities.

What to do before you travel

  • Read our travel advice for where you're going. Subscribe for email updates. Also, read the advice for any countries you'll transit through.
  • Follow @smartraveller on Facebook, X and Instagram.
  • Get travel insurance. Make sure it covers everything you plan to do. Read the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide.
  • Talk to your doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel. Get your travel vaccinations. Make sure your medicine is legal where you're going.
  • Download the FIFA World Cup 26 app (on iOS and Android)
  • Take copies of your passport ID page. Leave one with someone you trust in Australia, along with your itinerary. Take the other copy with you. Keep it separate from the originals.
  • Print any flight and accommodation bookings. Write out a list of important contacts. Take them as backups in case your mobile device is lost or stolen.

Use our travel basics checklist to make sure you cover the essentials.

Visa and entry rules

Each country has their own visa and border rules that you must follow. Consider applying for your visa well ahead of travel as visa processing times may be long.

Carefully read the Travel section of our travel advice for each country you plan to visit:

Always ensure you have the correct visa and follow the rules. If you don't, you may be detained or deported.

Be aware of visa scams. Always get your visa using official channels.

Local laws

When you travel overseas, all local laws and penalties apply to you. Even those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Don't assume a country that's culturally similar to Australia has the same laws.

Be aware of the laws that will apply to you and what you plan to do. At the very least, you should know about laws around:

  • what you can wear, do and say in public
  • medicines that are controlled or banned
  • people and places that you can't photograph or film
  • drugs and alcohol, including the local drinking age
  • road rules and renting vehicles
  • carrying identification.

Be aware that laws can vary between states in the USA.

Read our advice about staying within the law. Also, carefully read the ‘Local laws’ section of the travel advice for your destination.

Match tickets and stadium entry

You need to purchase all match tickets in advance. No tickets will be sold at stadiums.

To enter the stadiums, you will need an official ticket on the FIFA World Cup app. Printed copies or screenshots may not be accepted. Your ticket is linked to the purchaser's details. Your ID may be checked on entry.

Check the stadium's code of conduct for any match you're attending. This sets out what you can bring into the stadiums.

Visit the official FIFA World Cup 2026 ticketing and hospitality page for more information.

Read more:

Ticketing scams

Be careful of scams. Fake tickets can look legitimate but may be rejected at the stadium gate, leaving you without entry on match day.

  • Tickets sold on unofficial resale websites, social media, or through third-party vendors are likely to be fake.
  • Some scammers sell the same ticket to multiple buyers or resell tickets that FIFA Ticketing has already voided. Even if a ticket scans at the gate, you may still be denied entry if it's flagged as invalid or has already been used.
  • Unofficial sources often inflate prices significantly without guaranteeing authenticity, especially for high-demand matches.

Only buy tickets through the official FIFA ticketing platform.

Fan zones and public viewings

Public viewings will be available if you don't have stadium tickets. FIFA Fan Festivals are public match viewing events organised by FIFA. Host cities across Canada, Mexico and the USA will also arrange Fan Zones and Public Viewing areas. There may be restrictions on what you can take into viewing areas and fan zones. Restrictions may vary between host cities.

Check the official World Cup 2026 website for information about the FIFA Fan Festival, fan zones and public viewing areas.

Accommodation and getting around

Accommodation

Accommodation in host cities and surrounding areas will be in high demand. Book as soon as possible. Don't plan on finding a place to stay after you arrive.

Be cautious when booking to avoid accommodation scams. Only use travel providers with a good reputation. Avoid giving your personal details to unknown sources.

Getting around

Roads and public transport are likely to be very busy. Local authorities may ask you to enter or exit stadium locations by specific routes. They may close roads surrounding the stadiums.

  • Plan your trips before you go.
  • Have backup plans for missed, full or cancelled public transport services.
  • Allow plenty of time to get where you need to be.

Plan to arrive at venues 2-3 hours before the event begins to account for:

  • congestion on roads and public transport
  • road closures around stadiums
  • ticket checks and security screening at stadium entrances.

Read our advice about travelling on public transport.

Safety and security

Expect high levels of security across host countries during the FIFA World Cup.

During high-profile events with large crowds, terrorist groups or individuals may be more likely to try to carry out attacks.

  • Stay alert when out and about.
  • Follow the local media for updates.
  • Report anything suspicious to the police.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Armed security will be patrolling in and around stadiums and fan zones. They may stop you for random bag searches. Always carry photo ID.

Read the 'Safety' section of our travel advice for your destination. Also, read our advice about terrorism.

Theft and petty crime

Be alert in crowds and on public transport.

  • Carry your belongings in a theft-proof bag. Use a money belt for your cash, cards and ID.
  • Don't leave your bag, phone or wallet exposed to snatching. For example, hanging on a chair, lying on a cafe table or in a back pocket.
  • Don't leave your bags unattended.
  • Only carry as much cash as you need for the day.
  • Use ATMs in more secure places such as banks and shopping centres.
  • Keep your ATM and credit cards in sight when paying for services.

Always get a police report when you report a crime. You'll need it to claim insurance.

Read our advice about preventing theft while travelling.

Cybersecurity

Be aware of your cybersecurity.

  • Buy tickets and services from verified sources.
  • Be careful using QR codes. Check the web address it takes you to before giving your details.
  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
  • Keep a printed copy of your tickets and bookings. This will make sure you can still access them if systems go down.

See our advice on protecting your cybersecurity. Also, read our advice on scams.

Where to get help

For non-urgent help, depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • travel insurance 24-hour emergency helpline
  • airline.

Local emergency services

Call 911 for police, fire and medical emergency services in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

If you need consular help

Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we may help.

Australian Embassies and Consulates

The contact details of all Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates for each FIFA World Cup host country are listed in the 'Local contacts' section of the destination travel advice.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

If you're concerned for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian overseas, call:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 overseas
  • 1300 555 135 in Australia

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