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

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

iVisa
9 min read
Updated on Feb 02, 2026
Summary

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

  • Match Schedule: Tracks Mexico through Group A 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 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 has begun! For the third time in history, the FIFA World Cup is returning to Mexican soil. However, the 2026 edition is unique; it’s a North American extravaganza shared with the United States and Canada.

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.

For the Incondicionales, those die-hard unconditional fans, following El Tri might mean starting the party at the iconic Estadio Azteca and ending it under the bright lights of New Jersey. To help you navigate the journey, iVisa has put together this comprehensive guide on the match schedule and the essential travel documents you’ll need to cross borders. Mexico will hope to better their best result of reaching the quarter finals, which they achieved in 1970 and 1986. As is the case for 2026, Mexico was the host in both those instances, so history bodes well.

💡iVisa ProTip: Mexican 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.

The group stage: Mexico’s home advantage

As a host nation, Mexico is the head of Group A. The schedule is designed to give the national team a massive home-field advantage during the initial phase, with all games played in Mexico.

Match 1: Mexico vs. South Africa (Opening match)

  • Date: June 11, 2026
  • Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
  • The Vibe: History will be made as the Azteca becomes the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches. In a repeat of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener, Mexico hosts South Africa. Expect an electric atmosphere, a sea of green jerseys, and the Cielito Lindo echoing through the Coloso de Santa Úrsula. This is where the dream begins.

Match 2: Mexico vs. South Korea

  • Date: June 18, 2026
  • Venue: Estadio Guadalajara (Akron), Guadalajara
  • The Vibe: A trip to the land of Mariachi and Tequila, where Mexico will take on South Korea. Guadalajara is the heart of Mexican tradition, and the energy in this modern stadium will be intimate but deafening. This match is often the "hinge" of the group stage; securing three points here could guarantee passage to the next round.

Match 3: Mexico vs. Denmark/Czechia/North Macedonia/Republic of Ireland

  • Date: June 24, 2026
  • Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
  • The Vibe: The group stage finale. Mexico returns to the capital to seal their top spot in Group A. Their final opposition will be determined following the Path-D playoff results. With the home crowd behind them, this is where the momentum builds for the knockout stages. The party in the Zócalo will be legendary if El Tri finishes top of the group.

Mexico’s pathway to glory: predicting the road to New York

To win the World Cup, Mexico will have to navigate a knockout bracket that spans three countries. Here is our predicted pathway if Mexico tops Group A (as we all hope!) as well as a speculative outline should Mexico go unbeaten:

Round of 32: Mexico’s final stand at home

  • When: June 30, 2026
  • Where: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
  • The Scenario: If Mexico wins Group A, they will play their Round of 32 match in Mexico City. This would be the final home game before the team potentially moves North. If, however, they finish second in group A, they’ll head to Los Angeles, where they’ll face the second-placed team from group B.

Round of 16: Crossing the border

  • When: July 5, 2026
  • Where: Houston or Mexico City.
  • The Scenario: Depending on the bracket flow, if Mexico advances as Group A leaders and wins their R32 match, they are likely scheduled for a showdown in a major US hub like Houston (NRG Stadium) or, if the matchup stays in Mexico, for one last roar in Mexico City.

Quarter-finals: Mexico’s California dream

  • When: July 10, 2026
  • Where: Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium).
  • The Scenario: The Quarter-finals are heavily concentrated in the US. A likely path for the Group A winner leads to Los Angeles, a city that feels like a second home for El Tri. A win here will see Mexico in the Semi-finals, uncharted territory for this football-obsessed nation.

Semi-finals: deep in the heart of Texas

  • When: July 14 or 15, 2026
  • Where: Dallas (AT&T Stadium) or Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium).
  • The Scenario: By the Semi-finals, the tournament moves to massive indoor NFL stadiums. Dallas is the most likely destination for the Mexican side's bracket path. All that stands between Mexico and immortality is one game. Can they make it?

The Final: Mexico on the grand stage

  • When: July 19, 2026
  • Where: New York, New Jersey (MetLife Stadium).
  • The Goal: Winners or runners-up? Either way, the Mexican dream ends in the shadows of the Manhattan skyline.

World Cup visas & travel documents for Mexican fans

Mexican fans planning to follow their team into the Round of 16 and beyond, must prepare their travel documents now, especially if they require a US B1/B2 visa. Processing times for visas can be long, and you don’t want to miss the Quarter-finals because of a missing stamp in your passport. You can use our visa checking tool to see exactly what visas you’ll need for the different host countries.

Mexican football fans traveling to the United States

Most of the knockout stages, including the Final, are in the US.

  • Valid Mexican Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
  • US B1/B2 Visa: Most Mexican citizens require a B1/B2 visa to attend games in the US during the 2026 World Cup. If you already have one, ensure it hasn't expired.
  • FIFA PASS: The US Department of State has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). If you are a Mexican fan with a confirmed match ticket, you can apply to access priority visa interview appointments.
  • Border Crossing Card (BCC): Often referred to as a "laser visa," this acts as both a BCC and a B1/B2 visitor’s visa when traveling by air. But remember, when entering the US through a land border, travel is limited to within 25 miles of the border in California and Texas, and 55 miles in New Mexico if you can't produce an I-94 form.

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.

Mexican football fans traveling to Canada

While Mexico plays its group games at home, some knockout matches could potentially take place in Vancouver or Toronto.

  • Canadian eTA: You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) only if you hold a valid US Non-Immigrant Visa or have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years.
  • Canadian Visitor Visa: If you do not meet the criteria above, you must apply for a full Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). This involves submitting biometrics and a longer processing time than the eTA.
  • ArriveCAN Travel Declaration: Once you arrive in Canada, you will need to complete a travel declaration. While it's not mandatory to use ArriveCan, 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 supporting Mexico at football’s biggest fiesta. 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 Mexican fans heading to the 2026 World Cup

Yes. Most Mexican citizens will need a valid B1/B2 visa to enter the U.S. for World Cup matches. If you already have one, ensure it remains valid throughout your stay. Because visa processing times can be long, it is recommended to start the application process as soon as possible.
You can utilize the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). This program is specifically for fans with confirmed match tickets, allowing them to request priority visa interview appointments to help ensure they receive their travel documents before the tournament begins.
The BCC (or "laser visa") acts as a B1/B2 visa when traveling by air. However, if you are traveling by land, the BCC alone only allows travel within a limited distance from the border (25 miles in California and Texas, 55 miles in New Mexico). To travel to venues further north, like MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, you will need to obtain an additional I-94 form.
Entry requirements for Canada depend on your travel history:

  • eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): You can apply for this if you currently hold a valid U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa (like a B1/B2) or have held a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years.
  • Visitor Visa: If you do not meet the above criteria, you must apply for a full Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa), which involves a longer application process and biometric submission.
Yes. For travel to both the United States and Canada, your Mexican passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Check your passport’s expiration date now to ensure it covers the entire duration of the tournament, especially if you plan to stay through the Final on July 19, 2026.

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