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

The golden memories of the 2022 Round of 16 run are still fresh, but for Socceroos fans, 2026 is the chance to go even further. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will span three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and Australia is ready to roar on the world stage. Following the team from the Pacific Northwest down to the heart of Texas is an adventure, but the logistics can be as complex as a penalty shootout. From the rainy harbors of Vancouver to the bright lights 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.

Australia’s group stage schedule

Australia has been placed in Group D, and they will play their group-stage matches exclusively in the Western Region. This is a strategic advantage for fans, as it keeps travel within the same coastal time zones during the opening weeks.

Match 1: Australia vs. UEFA Play-off C (Tur/Rou/Svk/Kos)

• Date: June 13, 2026
• Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
• The Vibe: Kicking off in a massive indoor arena. Expect the "Green and Gold" to turn Vancouver into a home game atmosphere.

Match 2: USA vs. Australia

• Date: June 19, 2026
• Venue: Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field), Seattle, WA
• The Vibe: A massive clash against the co-hosts. Seattle is one of America's loudest soccer cities, and the atmosphere will be electric.

Match 3: Paraguay vs. Australia

• Date: June 25, 2026
• Venue: San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium), Santa Clara, CA
• The Vibe: The group stage concludes in Northern California. Australia will be looking for clinical execution to secure their spot in the knockout rounds.

Australia’s pathway to glory

If Australia finishes 2nd in Group D, our predicted pathway sees them heading into the heart of the U.S. bracket, leading all the way to the East Coast finale.

Round of 32: The Dallas Duel

• When: July 03, 2026
• Where: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, TX
• The Scenario: Finishing 2nd in Group D brings Australia to the "Big D" to face the runner-up of Group G. The high-tech cathedral of sport will host a high-stakes encounter.

Round of 16: The Atlanta Encounter

• When: July 07, 2026
• Where: Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Atlanta, GA
• The Scenario: A win in Texas leads to the Southern crossroads. This is where the competition truly intensifies.

Quarter-Finals: Heartland Heroics

• When: July 11, 2026
• Where: Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium), Kansas City, MO
• The Scenario: The journey moves to the Midwest for a test of nerves in one of the world's loudest stadiums.

Semi-Finals: The Dallas showdown

• When: July 15, 2026
• Where: Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Atlanta, GA
• The Scenario: The bracket leads back to Atlanta for the penultimate step. One more win for immortality.

The Final: The Ultimate Goal

• When: July 19, 2026
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• The Scenario: The dream concludes in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. The world will stop to see if the Socceroos can secure their first-ever star.

World Cup visas & travel documents for Australian fans

To follow this path, you’ll need to enter three different countries. Each has its own rules for Australian citizens. Make sure you know exactly which travel documents you need and use this visa checking tool:

Australian football fans traveling to the United States

Australia is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which simplifies entry significantly.

• US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Most Australian citizens do not need a traditional visa for the US. Instead, you must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.
• The US B1/B2 Visitor Visa: While most Australians use an ESTA, those with specific travel histories or dual nationalities may need a US B1/B2 visa. If you don't already have a U.S. Visa, you need to apply as soon as possible.
• FIFA PASS: If you’ve already purchased tickets to matches in the U.S., you can apply for your US B1/B2 visa with FIFA PASS, a priority processing lane. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you can use iVisa to apply for your FIFA PASS for you.

💡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.

When will Australian football fans need a US B1/B2 visa

There are specific scenarios where an ESTA is not enough, and you must apply for a US B1/B2 Visitor Visa.

• Travel History to Restricted Countries: You are ineligible for an ESTA if you have traveled to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
• Travel to Cuba: Travel to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, disqualifies you from an ESTA.
• Dual Nationality: Australians who also hold citizenship of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria must obtain a visa.
• Extended Stays: If you plan to stay in the U.S. for longer than 90 days, you need a B1/B2 visa.

Australian football fans traveling to Mexico

• The Electronic Pre-Registration (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM): While Australians do not currently require a traditional "stamped" tourist visa for short stays in Mexico, you must complete an Electronic Pre-registration (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM) before flying.
• What it is: An online migration form through the National Institute of Migration (INM).
• Requirements: A valid passport, return tickets, and details of accommodation. 💡iVisa Protip: If you’re entering Mexico through a land border, you can use our services to take care of your application.

Australian football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for Australians are specific:

• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Most Australian citizens traveling by air do not need a visa but must have an eTA. It is linked to your passport and usually approved within minutes.
• Canadian Visitor Visa: Most Australian 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 the ArriveCan option, 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

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest sporting event in history. Don't let paperwork stand in the way of your trip:

• 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 Australian fans heading to the 2026 World Cup