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

The triumph of 2018 and the heartbreak of 2022 are etched in history, but for Les Bleus fans, 2026 is the year of redemption. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will span three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and France enters as a powerhouse ready to reclaim the throne. Following the team across North America is an adventure, but the logistics can be as complex as a tactical masterclass. From the historic streets of Philadelphia 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.

France’s group stage schedule

France has been placed in Group I,, and they will play their group-stage matches exclusively in the Eastern United States. This is a significant advantage for fans, as it keeps travel times short and keeps the team within a single time zone

Match 1: France vs. Senegal

• Date: June 16, 2026
• Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
• The Vibe: A massive opening clash in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. This stadium will host the final, and Les Bleus will want to set the tone right where they hope to finish.

Match 2: France vs. Play-off Winner (IRQ/BOL/SUR)

• Date: June 232, 2026
• Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, PA
• The Vibe: Moving down the coast to the "City of Brotherly Love." Expect a vibrant atmosphere in one of America's most historic sporting cities as France looks to secure their knockout spot.

Match 3: Norway vs. France

• Date: June 26, 2026
• Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, MA
• The Vibe: The group stage concludes in New England. If France has dominated, this match will be about clinical execution to ensure they finish 1st in Group I for the most favorable knockout path.

France’s pathway to glory

If France tops Group I, our predicted pathway sees them staying largely on the East Coast, minimizing the grueling cross-continental flights that other teams may face.

Round of 32: The Jersey Return

• When: June 30, 2026
• Where: New York New Jersey Stadium
• The Scenario: Finishing 1st in Group I brings France back to East Rutherford to face a 3rd-place qualifier. The familiarity of the venue will be a huge plus for the traveling French support.

Round of 16: Philadelphia Encore

• When: July 4, 2026
• Where: Philadelphia Stadium
• The Scenario: A win in the first knockout round leads back to Philadelphia. Coinciding with the US Independence Day, the atmosphere in the city will be legendary as France fights for a place in the final eight.

Quarter-Finals: Boston Battle

• When: July 9, 2026
• Where:Boston Stadium
• The Scenario: The journey returns to Boston for the ultimate test of nerves. France could face a heavyweight rival here, but their unbeaten momentum will be their greatest weapon.

Semi-Finals: The Dallas showdown

• When: July 14, 2026
• Where: Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
• The Scenario: The only major westward travel in this path leads to the high-tech cathedral of sport in Texas. France will need to master the atmosphere here to punch their ticket to the grand finale.

The Final: Immortalité

• When: July 19, 2026
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• The Scenario: The dream concludes back where it started. Whether it's a repeat of 1998 or a new chapter of French glory, the world will stop to see if Les Bleus can secure their third star.

World Cup visas & travel documents for French fans

Make sure you know exactly which travel documents you need and use this visa checking tool:

French football fans traveling to the United States

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

• US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Most French citizens do not need a traditional visa for the US. Instead, you must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.

• Validity: The ESTA is generally valid for two years, allowing multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days.

• FIFA PASS: While French travelers usually require a US ESTA, some football fans may need a US B1/B2 visa. The FIFA PASS, provides a priority appointment system for fans with confirmed tickets. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you can use iVisa to apply for your FIFA PASS for you.

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

While the US ESTA is the standard entry path for most French fans, there are specific scenarios where you must apply for a US B1/B2 Visitor Visa to attend the World Cup.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, certain conditions or past travel history can disqualify you from using an ESTA, requiring a formal visa application at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Extended Stays: If you plan to follow the tournament for its entire duration or stay in the U.S. for longer than 90 days, an ESTA is insufficient, as it only permits stays up to 90 days.
• Travel History to Restricted Countries: You are ineligible for an ESTA if you have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
• Travel to Cuba: If you have traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, you cannot use an ESTA and must apply for a B1/B2 visa.
• Dual Nationality: French citizens who also hold citizenship of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are generally ineligible for an ESTA and must obtain a visa.
• Passport Type: An ESTA is only valid for those with a biometric e-passport. If you hold a temporary French passport or a certain type of child's passport that lacks an electronic chip, you must apply for a visa.
• Previous Denial or Overstay: If you have ever been denied an ESTA, had a U.S. visa revoked, or overstayed your permitted time during a previous visit to the United States, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa.
• Mode of Transport: If you are arriving in the U.S. via a private plane or yacht (a non-VWP approved carrier), an ESTA is not valid for entry.

💡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.

French football fans traveling to Mexico

Whether you are exploring the fan zones in Mexico City or traveling for a knockout match:

• Visa-Free Entry: French citizens do not require a visa for tourism in Mexico for stays under 180 days.
• FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple): You must still complete an Electronic Pre-registration (FMM) before arrival. Having a printed or digital copy is essential for smooth entry. 💡iVisa Protip: If you’re entering Mexico through a land border, you can use our services to take care of your application.

French football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for French are specific:

• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you are flying into Canada, French citizens require an eTA. It is linked to your passport and is usually approved within minutes.
• 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 France’s hunt for glory. At iVisa, we specialize in making the complex simple:

• 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 French fans heading to the 2026 World Cup