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

The memories of the spectacular 2022 tournament in Lusail are still fresh, but now it is Qatar’s turn to travel. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and the Maroon are ready to make their mark on North American soil. If you are planning to follow the national team from the high-rises of Toronto to the bright lights of Dallas, the logistics can be as complex as a midfield press. From securing a US visa in Doha to navigating the new Canadian eTA, here is your official iVisa guide to the schedule, the predicted path to the final, and the crucial travel documents you’ll need.

💡iVisa ProTip: Qatari 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.

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Qatar’s group stage schedule

Qatar has been placed in Group B, and unlike some teams, they will experience the full North American "Triple Crown," playing one group-stage match in each of the three host nations.

Match 1: Qatar vs. Italy/NIR/WAL/BIH

• Date: June 14, 2026
• Venue: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City
• The Vibe: Kicking off in one of football's most hallowed cathedrals. The thin air and massive crowd at the Azteca will provide a stern first test for the squad.

Match 2: Qatar vs. Canada

• Date: June 19, 2026
• Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
• The Vibe: Heading north to face the co-hosts. Toronto’s diverse community will ensure a vibrant atmosphere, but expect a chilly reception on the pitch from the home side.

Match 3: Switzerland vs. Qatar

• Date: June 24, 2026
• Venue: Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area, USA
• The Vibe: Ending the group stage in the heart of Silicon Valley. This match will be about tactical discipline as Qatar looks to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

Qatar’s predicted path to the final

In our scenario, where Qatar finishes second in Group B and remains unbeaten, the journey becomes a Texas-heavy campaign with a stop in the Heartland before the grand finale.

Round of 32: The Dallas Debut

• When: July 01, 2026
• Where: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
• The Scenario: Finishing as runner-up in Group B sets up a clash with the runner-up of Group J (likely a side like Algeria or Austria).

Round of 16: The Dallas Encore

• When: July 6, 2026
• Where: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
• The Scenario: Familiarity is a massive advantage here. Staying in Dallas for back-to-back knockout matches allows the fans and the team to settle in for a high-stakes Round of 16 battle.

Quarter-Finals: Heartland Heat

• When: July 10, 2026
• Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• The Scenario: Moving to Missouri for the final eight. Arrowhead is famous for being the loudest stadium in the world, and Qatar will need every bit of focus to reach the semi-finals.

Semi-Finals: The Dallas showdown

• When: July 15, 2026
• Where: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
• The Scenario: The path leads back to Dallas for the penultimate step. One more win in Texas would secure a historic spot in the final.

The Final: The Grand Stage

• When: July 19, 2026
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• The Scenario: The dream concludes under the skyline of the world's most famous city. Whether it's a date with destiny or a new chapter in Qatari sport, the world will be watching.

World Cup visas & travel documents for Qatari fans

Traveling between three countries requires precision. You can use our visa checking tool to see exactly what documents you'll need for each host:

Qatari football fans traveling to the United States

Since the majority of Qatar’s knockout path (and the final) is in the States, this is your most critical preparation. 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
• 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.

💡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.

Qatari football fans traveling to Mexico

• Embassy Visa: Generally, Qatari citizens require a visa to enter Mexico for tourism.
• The Electronic Pre-Registration (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM): While Qataris 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.
• Exemption Rule: However, travelers with a valid, multiple-entry U.S. B1/B2 visa (or valid visas from Canada, Japan, the UK, or Schengen countries) are typically exempt from the Mexican visa requirement for short stays. Ensure your US visa is valid before landing in Mexico City.

Qatari football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for Qataris are specific:

• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): In a major update for 2026, Qatari passport holders are now eligible for an eTA for travel to Canada by air.
• Canadian Visitor Visa: If, for whatever reason, you don’t qualify for a Canadian ETA, you’ll 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

Navigating three different immigration systems is a headache no fan wants. 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 Qatari fans heading to the 2026 World Cup