Key points
- France plays its Group I matches in New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston before a possible path to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.
- Most French citizens can enter the US on an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program; some ticket holders may need a B1/B2 visa instead.
- The FIFA PASS can help ticket-holding fans who need a B1/B2 visa request a priority interview appointment.
- The US, Mexico, and Canada each require a separate travel authorization: ESTA, FMM, and eTA respectively.
France is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and fans following the team across North America will want to plan both their match calendar and their travel documents early. Here is where France plays, the possible route to the final, and the authorizations French citizens need for the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
France’s group stage schedule
France is placed in Group I, with all three group matches in the Eastern United States.
| Match | Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | France vs. Senegal | June 16, 2026 | New York New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) |
| Match 2 | France vs. Play-off Winner (IRQ/BOL/SUR) | June 23, 2026 | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, PA |
| Match 3 | Norway vs. France | June 26, 2026 | Boston Stadium, Foxborough, MA |
The opener against Senegal takes place near the Manhattan skyline, at the same stadium that will host the final. The team then moves to Philadelphia before closing out the group stage in New England.
You can follow the latest Group I standings on the official FIFA site.
France’s pathway to glory
If France advances, here is the potential knockout route.
| Stage | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 30, 2026 | New York New Jersey Stadium |
| Round of 16 | July 4, 2026 | Philadelphia Stadium |
| Quarter-Finals | July 9, 2026 | Boston Stadium |
| Semi-Finals | July 14, 2026 | Dallas (AT&T Stadium) |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
World Cup visas and travel documents for French fans
The following is general guidance to help you prepare. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before you travel, since rules can change.
Traveling to the United States
France is part of the Visa Waiver Program, so French citizens usually travel on a US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) rather than a traditional visa. An approved ESTA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days each.
Some fans with confirmed match tickets may instead need a B1/B2 visitor visa. Those who do can use the FIFA PASS to request a priority appointment. Our FIFA PASS guide explains how that works in more detail.
You may need a B1/B2 visa instead of an ESTA if any of the following apply:
- Stays extending beyond 90 days
- Travel to restricted countries (Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen after March 1, 2011)
- Travel to Cuba after January 12, 2021
- Dual nationality with a restricted country
- A non-biometric passport
- A previous ESTA denial or visa revocation
- Arrival via a non-VWP carrier, such as a private aircraft
Traveling to Mexico
French citizens do not require a visa for tourism in Mexico for stays under 180 days. Travelers do need to complete an Electronic Pre-registration (FMM) before arrival.
Traveling to Canada
French citizens need an eTA when flying into Canada. The ArriveCAN Advance Declaration is optional and available only at participating airports, but where you can use it, it reduces paperwork at airport entry.
How iVisa can help
iVisa is a private travel-document service, not a government agency. We offer streamlined application portals, support for US B1/B2 and FIFA PASS applications, multilingual assistance in 14+ languages, simplified forms, flexible document uploads, payment flexibility, and 24/7 customer support. Note that government fees for authorizations like the ESTA, eTA, or FMM are separate from any iVisa service fee. You can get started on our Apply Now page, including the Mexico FMM application.
Frequently asked questions for French fans heading to the 2026 World Cup
Do French citizens need a visa for the 2026 World Cup in the USA?
No, most French citizens can enter the USA using an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Exceptions apply for travelers with a travel history to restricted countries or with dual nationality.
How do I use the FIFA PASS to speed up my US visa application?
Fans with confirmed match tickets who need a B1/B2 visa can opt in through their official FIFA ticketing account. This can trigger a priority interview email from the US Department of State.
Can I travel between the USA, Canada, and Mexico on a single document?
No. Each country requires its own authorization: an ESTA for the USA, an eTA for Canada, and an FMM for Mexico.
Is my French passport valid for the duration of the tournament?
Your passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
What is the best way to travel between France’s group stage cities?
Since France plays in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston, the Amtrak Acela train or regional flights are usually the most efficient options.
