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

The memories of 2014 still linger, but for the der Mannschaft, the focus is now squarely on 2026. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA and Germany is ready to reclaim its place at the summit of world football. Following the team across North America is an adventure that requires careful tactical planning. From the humidity of Houston to the bright lights of New Jersey, here is your official iVisa guide to the schedule, the predicted path to the final, and the essential travel documents you'll need.

Germany's group stage schedule

Germany has been placed in Group E, and fans will enjoy a tour of the USA and Canada during the initial phase.

Match 1: Germany vs. Curaçao

• Date: June 14, 2026
• Venue: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium), Houston, TX
• The Vibe: Kicking off in the heart of Texas. Expect a high-energy atmosphere in this massive indoor-outdoor arena.

Match 2: Germany vs. Ivory Coast

• Date: June 20, 2026
• Venue: Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), Toronto, ON
• The Vibe: Moving north to Canada. Toronto’s diverse football culture will make this a vibrant, mid-summer clash.

Match 3: Germany vs. Ecuador

• Date: June 25, 2026
• Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, NJ
• The Vibe: A massive finale to the group stage in the shadow of the New York City skyline.

Germany's pathway to glory

In this scenario, Germany tops Group E and embarks on an unbeaten run through the knockout bracket.

Round of 32: The Boston breakthrough

• When: June 29, 2026
• Where: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, MA
• The Scenario: As Group E winners, Germany heads to New England to face a 3rd-place qualifier.

Round of 16: Independence Day in Philly

• When: July 4, 2026
• Where: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field), Philadelphia, PA
• The Scenario: A high-stakes clash on the US holiday in one of America's most historic cities.

Quarter-Finals: Return to Foxborough

• When: July 9, 2026
• Where: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, MA
• The Scenario: Germany returns to Boston for the final eight, potentially facing a heavyweight European or South American rival.

Semi-Finals: The Dallas showdown

• When: July 14, 2026
• Where: Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
• The Scenario: One step away from the final, Germany battles in the "High-Tech Cathedral" of Texas.

The Final: Immortality in New Jersey

• When: July 19, 2026
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• The Scenario: The journey ends where the group stage did. Germany takes the world stage to secure their fifth star.

World Cup visas & travel documents for German 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:

German football fans traveling to the United States

• US ESTA vs. B1/B2 visa: Most German citizens are eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program.

• FIFA PASS: While Germans typically use ESTA, those fans with a match ticket requiring a full B1/B2 visa (e.g., due to travel history) can utilize 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.

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

While the US ESTA is the standard entry path for most German 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: German 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 German passport (Vorläufiger Reisepass) or a certain type of child's passport (Kinderreisepass) 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.

German football fans traveling to Mexico

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

German football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for Germans are specific:

• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): German citizens flying to Canada generally only need an eTA, which is a quick online 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 Germany’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 German fans heading to the 2026 World Cup