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iVisa Travel Blog 26 WC Guide for Argentinians: Visas, Schedule & FAQs | iVisa

A guide for Argentinian fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQs

iVisa
9 min read
Updated on Feb 02, 2026
Summary

This blog serves as the ultimate logistical playbook for Albiceleste fans heading to North America.

  • Match Schedule: Tracks Argentina through Group J in the U.S. and their predicted knockout path to the New York/New Jersey final.

  • The FIFA PASS: Details how to use the new priority system for faster U.S. B1/B2 visa appointments.

  • Multi-Nation Entry: Covers essential documents for Mexico (FMM) and Canada (eTA/Visitor Visas).

  • Expert Support: Explains how iVisa streamlines complex paperwork, offering 24/7 assistance and simplified forms for a stress-free tournament.

The echoes of "Muchachos" are still ringing from Qatar, but the gaze of every Albiceleste fan is now fixed firmly on 2026. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three nations, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and Argentina is heading in as the defending champions.

A conceptual graphic featuring a soccer ball decorated with the flags of the host nations (USA, Canada, and Mexico) and the 2026 FIFA logo. A large dark blue header reads "WORLD CUP 2026 - VISA STATUS: APPROVED" with the word "APPROVED" highlighted in a green box. A red "APPROVED" rubber stamp effect is also superimposed directly onto the soccer ball. The background is a blurred stadium filled with spectators under bright lights.

If you’re planning to follow Leo Messi and the team across North America, the logistics can be as complex as a tiki-taka play. From the heat of Dallas to the skyscrapers of New York, here is your official iVisa guide to the schedule, the predicted path to the final, and the crucial travel documents you’ll need.

💡iVisa ProTip: Argentinian football fans with a US B1/B2 visa can apply for a Canada eTA instead of a visitor visa, simplifying the entire process. Apply for your US B1/B2 visa with FIFA PASS to secure priority interview slots.

Argentina’s group stage schedule

Argentina has been placed in Group J, and they will play their group-stage matches exclusively in the United States. This is great news for fans as it minimizes cross-border travel during the initial phase.

Match 1: Argentina vs. Algeria

  • Date: June 16, 2026
  • Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
  • The Vibe: Kicking off in the "Soccer Capital of America." Arrowhead is legendary for its acoustics and is one of the loudest stadiums in the world. Expect the Albiceleste supporters to bring a carnival atmosphere to Missouri, fueled by some of the best BBQ in the United States before kickoff.

Match 2: Argentina vs. Austria

  • Date: June 22, 2026
  • Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
  • The Vibe: Moving south to Texas for a clash against a tough European side. AT&T Stadium is a high-tech cathedral of sport with a massive hanging video board. The "everything is bigger in Texas" energy will be in full swing, and with a huge Latino population in Dallas, Argentina will feel right at home.

Match 3: Jordan vs. Argentina

  • Date: June 27, 2026
  • Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
  • The Vibe: Continuity is key here. Staying in Dallas for the final group match allows fans to truly soak in the city. As the group stage concludes, this match will be about clinical execution and securing that top spot in Group J to ensure a favorable path through the knockout rounds.

Argentina’s first steps to back-to-back glory

To defend their title, Argentina will need to navigate a knockout bracket that spans the breadth of the United States. While the group stage is localized in the Central US, the knockout rounds will take the Albiceleste on a high-stakes tour of the East and Midwest. Here is our predicted pathway if Argentina tops Group J:

Round of 32: The magic of Miami

  • When: July 3, 2026
  • Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
  • The Scenario: If Argentina wins Group J, they head to Miami—Leo Messi’s current "home turf." Facing the runner-up of Group H (likely a tough side like Uruguay or Spain), the atmosphere will be electric. With Miami’s massive Argentine community, this will feel like a home game in Buenos Aires.

Round of 16: The Southern crossroads

  • When: July 7, 2026
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • The Scenario: A win in Miami sends the team north to Atlanta. This is where the competition intensifies. A potential clash here could involve the USA or Belgium. Argentina will need to master the fast-paced turf of this iconic indoor arena to punch their ticket to the final eight.

Quarter-Finals: A return to the Heartland

  • When: July 11, 2026
  • Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
  • The Scenario: The journey comes full circle with a return to Kansas City, where the campaign began. The Quarter-finals are the ultimate test of nerves. Argentina could face a heavyweight like Portugal or Germany here. Expect the loudest crowd of the tournament as the world watches to see if the champions can reach the final four.

Semi-Finals: The Atlanta encore

  • When: July 15, 2026
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • **The Scenario: The bracket leads back to Atlanta for the penultimate step. By this stage, the "Muchachos" chants will be deafening. All that stands between Argentina and a second consecutive final is 90 minutes against a giant like France or Brazil. One more win for immortality.

The Final: The grand stage

  • When: July 19, 2026
  • Where: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
  • The Goal: The dream concludes in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. Whether it’s a repeat of the Qatar magic or a new chapter in football history, the world will stop to see if Argentina can secure their fourth star.

World Cup visas & travel documents for Argentinian fans

Traveling between three countries requires precision. You can use our visa checking tool to see exactly what visas you’ll need for the different host countries.

Argentinian football fans traveling to the USA

Since all of Argentina’s group matches are in the States, this is your most important stop.

A line graph titled "World Cup 2026: Surge in visa demand" showing the projected increase in U.S. visa applications from 2023 to 2026. The vertical axis measures applications in millions, and the horizontal axis tracks the years. The data shows a steady upward trend, starting at approximately 4 million in 2023 and rising to a projected peak of 11 million in 2026. A caption at the bottom notes that this surge will add significant pressure to the immigration system. The iVisa logo is visible in the top right corner.

💡iVisa ProTip: Applications for the US B1/B2 visa are expected to increase drastically in 2026. Apply well before the tournament to allow yourself the best chance of obtaining your travel documents.

Argentinian football fans traveling to Mexico

Whether you’re heading to Mexico City for the opening ceremony or a knockout match at the Estadio Azteca:

  • Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM: While Argentinians do not currently require a traditional "stamped" tourist visa for short stays in Mexico, you must complete an Electronic Pre-registration before flying. If you’re entering Mexico through a land border, you can use our services to handle your application.

Argentinian football fans traveling to Canada

Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver.

  • Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): You may be eligible for an eTA only if you have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years OR currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.
  • Canadian Visitor Visa: Most Argentinian citizens need a standard Visitor Visa. This requires biometrics and takes several weeks to process.
  • ArriveCAN Travel Declaration: Once you arrive in Canada, you will need to complete a travel declaration. While it's not mandatory to use ArriveCan, it does reduce paperwork at the airport. It also means quicker processing through border control, a massive advantage when traveling during peak travel times.

How iVisa can help

Navigating three different immigration systems is a headache no fan wants. At iVisa, we specialize in making the complex simple.

An infographic table comparing iVisa services to that of government sites.

  • Apply through a streamlined application portal: Unlike government sites, our application portal wasn’t built by the lowest bidder. This means a smoother experience for our clients, and no glitches or bugs.

  • Intuitive US B1/B2 and FIFA PASS application: We’ll handle your FIFA PASS application for you, find your nearest and most efficient processing center, and provide invaluable pre- and post-application support. For the B1/B2 application, this includes a dedicated Key Account Manager, interview preparation, and personal support.

  • Multiple supported languages: Language should be the last thing to stand between you and your trip; that’s why we support applications in 14 languages.

  • Simplified Forms: We’ve stripped away the confusing bureaucratic jargon. Our application is shorter and much easier to navigate.

  • Flexible Document Uploads: Our platform automatically adjusts your photos and documents to meet government specifications, so you don’t have to be a tech expert to apply.

  • Guaranteed Payment Success: We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and even PayPal or Venmo, ensuring your payment goes through the first time.

  • 24/7 Customer Support: If you have a question at 2 AM, our team is there to answer it. You’ll never be left wondering about your status.

Frequently asked questions for Argentinian fans heading to the 2026 World Cup

No. A match ticket does not guarantee a travel document. However, in 2026, a confirmed ticket is your "golden key" to the FIFA PASS. By opting in through your FIFA ticketing account, you become eligible for a priority visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. This can reduce your wait time from several months to approximately 6–8 weeks.
If your current B1/B2 visa is valid through July 2026, you do not need to apply for a new one or use the FIFA PASS. You can enter the U.S. directly. However, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Also, if you plan to visit Canada between matches, your valid U.S. visa makes you eligible for a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a full visitor visa, saving you significant time and money.
No. Argentinian citizens traveling with a valid passport do not require a visa to enter Mexico for tourism. However, you must complete the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which is an electronic pre-registration. It is highly recommended to print this out or have a digital copy ready before you land in Mexico City or Monterrey.
The FIFA PASS is currently only guaranteed for fans who purchased tickets through the official FIFA ticketing portal. If you purchased a hospitality package or a ticket from an authorized reseller, you must ensure the ticket is linked to your official FIFA.com profile to trigger the priority appointment email from the U.S. Department of State.
Only if you plan to follow the team if they reach the later knockout stages, or if you want to visit Toronto/Vancouver. If you do not have a valid U.S. visa or a previous Canadian visa from the last 10 years, the Canadian Visitor Visa process requires biometrics and can take several weeks. If you think there is even a small chance you'll cross the border, start the Canadian application at the same time as your U.S. visa to avoid being stuck in the States while the team plays in Vancouver.

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