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iVisa Travel Blog 2026 WC Guide for Colombians: Visas, Schedule & FAQs | iVisa

A guide for Colombian Fans Traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQs

iVisa
8 min read
Updated on Feb 02, 2026
Summary

This blog serves as the ultimate logistical playbook for Los Cafeteros fans crossing the border to support their team.

  • Match Schedule: Tracks Colombia through Group K 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 countdown is on! For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For Los Cafeteros fans, this isn’t just a tournament; it’s a continental party.

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.

With Colombia placed in Group K, fans are already looking at maps and checking flight prices. But before you pack your yellow jersey and sombrero vueltiao, you need a game plan for your travel documents. Here is everything you need to know about Colombia’s schedule, their potential path to the final, and the visas you’ll need to get there.

💡iVisa ProTip: Colombian 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.

Colombia’s group stage schedule

Colombia’s journey begins in Group K, with matches split between the high altitudes of Mexico and the humid heat of Texas, USA.

Match 1: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia

  • Date: June 17, 2026
  • Venue: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City
  • The Vibe: Opening your campaign at the historic Azteca is a dream. Expect a massive Colombian turnout in one of the world’s most iconic football cathedrals.

Match 2: Colombia vs. Jamaica/New Caledonia/Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • Date: June 23, 2026
  • Venue: Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
  • The Vibe: A trip to the land of Tequila. This match will be crucial for securing a spot in the knockout rounds before facing the group’s heavyweight. Colombia will play against the winner of Pathway 1’s playoff tournament.

Match 3: Colombia vs. Portugal

  • Date: June 27, 2026
  • Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, USA
  • The Vibe: This is the blockbuster. Moving from Mexico to the U.S. for the final group game. Fans will witness a tactical battle as Colombia takes on one of Europe’s best in a city with a massive Latino population.

Colombia’s pathway to glory

If Colombia tops Group K or qualifies as one of the best runners-up, the road to the final becomes a thrilling cross-continental tour.

Round of 32: The gateway to glory

  • When: July 03, 2026
  • Where: Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
  • The Scenario: As the Winner of Group K, Colombia would likely head to Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium). The midwestern U.S. will turn yellow as Colombia faces a 3rd-place qualifier. If Colombia finishes second, they’ll head to Toronto, where they’ll take on the runners-up from Group L, a heavy-hitting group with England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

Round of 16: Into the Great North

  • When: July 07, 2026
  • Where: Vancouver, Canada (BC Place)
  • The Scenario: Winning the Round 32 match sends the team to Vancouver, Canada (BC Place). This is where the climate changes, the stakes get higher, and Colombia’s grit will be tested.

Quarter-Finals: Facing the Florida heat

  • When: July 11, 2026
  • Where: Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
  • The Scenario: A victory in Canada could fly the team down to Miami (Hard Rock Stadium). Miami is essentially "Bogotá North." The atmosphere will be electric, and with the local support, Colombia could overcome a titan like Brazil or Spain to reach the final four.

Semi-Finals: The Dallas showdown

  • When: July 15, 2026
  • Where: Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
  • The Scenario: The semi-finals take place in Dallas (AT&T Stadium). One match away from history. The pressure will be immense, but the "Cafetero" spirit thrives under pressure.

The Final: New Jersey

  • When: July 19, 2026
  • Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
  • The Scenario: The dream ends here, hopefully with James Rodríguez or Luis Díaz lifting the trophy under the New York skyline.

World Cup visas & travel documents for Colombian fans

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

Colombian football fans traveling to Mexico

  • The Electronic Pre-Registration (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM): While Colombians 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.

Colombian football fans traveling to the United States

The US B1/B2 Visitor Visa: This is the most critical document. If you don't already have a U.S. Visa, you need to apply as soon as possible.

  • The Process: You must file the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
  • FIFA PASS: If you’ve already purchased tickets to matches in the U.S., you can apply 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.

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.

Colombian football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for Colombians are specific:

  • 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, like a US B1/B2 visa.
  • Canadian Visitor Visa: Most Colombian 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 Colombia’s hunt for glory. 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 Colombian fans heading to the 2026 World Cup

Colombian citizens do not currently require a traditional "stamped" tourist visa for short stays in Mexico. However, you must complete the Electronic Pre-registration (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM) online before you fly. You will need a valid passport, return flight tickets, and your accommodation details to complete this form.
If you have already purchased tickets for matches in the U.S. (such as the Group K game in Houston), you can apply through the "FIFA PASS" program. This is a priority processing lane designed to help ticket holders navigate the B1/B2 Visitor Visa process more efficiently. It is still recommended to apply as early as possible due to high demand.
While a US Visa does not automatically grant entry into Canada, it may make you eligible for a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Colombian citizens who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (like the B1/B2) can apply for an eTA instead of a full Canadian Visitor Visa, which is generally faster and simpler to process.
If Colombia finishes second, they will play their Round of 32 match in Toronto, Canada. Because this requires moving from the US (after the Houston match) into Canada, you must ensure you have your Canadian Visitor Visa or eTA approved well in advance. You should also be prepared to complete the ArriveCAN Travel Declaration to speed up your entry at the Canadian border.
The most critical document for Match 3 against Portugal is the US B1/B2 Visitor Visa. Because this match takes place in Houston, Texas, you must have this visa secured and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá before your departure. Without this, you will not be allowed to board your flight to the United States.

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