Key points
- The 2026 World Cup is the first hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and Qatar plays one group match in each.
- The US B1/B2 visitor visa is the document most Qatari fans should prioritize; the FIFA PASS can support priority appointment access for ticket holders.
- A valid multiple-entry US B1/B2 visa can exempt Qatari travelers from Mexico's tourist visa for short stays, though a Mexico pre-registration (FMM) is still needed.
- Qatari passport holders can now use a Canada eTA for air travel, plus the ArriveCAN declaration on arrival; land entry from the US needs only a passport.
- Requirements change, so always confirm the latest rules with official government sources before you travel.
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 iVisa guide to the schedule, the predicted path to the final, and the travel documents you’ll need.
One tip worth knowing up front: Qatari fans who hold a US B1/B2 visa can generally apply for a Canada eTA instead of a full visitor visa, which makes the trip across the border considerably simpler.
Qatar’s group stage schedule
Qatar has been placed in Group B and will play one match in each of the three host nations, so the group stage alone is a tour of North America.
Match 1: Qatar vs. Italy/NIR/WAL/BIH
- Date: June 14, 2026
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
The campaign opens in one of football’s most storied venues. The thin air of Mexico City and a huge, passionate crowd make this a demanding place to start.
Match 2: Qatar vs. Canada
- Date: June 19, 2026
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto
A meeting with one of the co-hosts, played in front of Toronto’s famously diverse crowd.
Match 3: Switzerland vs. Qatar
- Date: June 24, 2026
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area
The group stage wraps up in California, where tactical discipline will be needed to secure progression.
Qatar’s predicted path to the final
For the sake of planning, imagine Qatar finishes second in Group B while staying unbeaten. That scenario points toward a Texas-heavy campaign built around Dallas.
Round of 32: the Dallas debut
- When: July 1, 2026
- Where: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
The knockout rounds begin against the Group J runner-up.
Round of 16: the Dallas encore
- When: July 6, 2026
- Where: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
Back-to-back knockout matches in the same venue would let fans settle into one base.
Quarter-finals: heartland heat
- When: July 10, 2026
- Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
A trip to one of the loudest stadiums anywhere in the game.
Semi-finals: the Dallas showdown
- When: July 15, 2026
- Where: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
A return to Dallas for the penultimate match.
The final: the grand stage
- When: July 19, 2026
- Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
The tournament concludes just outside New York City.
World Cup visas and travel documents for Qatari fans
Requirements differ across the three host countries, so it helps to plan each leg separately. The details below are guidance to get you started; confirm the current rules with each government’s official channels before you book.
United States
For most Qatari fans, the US B1/B2 visitor visa is the most important document to sort out. The process involves completing the DS-160 form, paying the required government fee, and attending an interview at the U.S. Embassy.
The FIFA PASS program is designed to give ticket holders access to priority appointment scheduling. Demand for US visitor visas is expected to rise sharply through 2026, so it’s wise to apply as soon as possible. If you’d like a hand, iVisa can help you prepare the US B1/B2 application and your FIFA PASS with dedicated support. For more detail on how the program works, see our FIFA PASS guide.
Note that iVisa is a private travel-document service, not a government agency. Any US embassy fee is separate from iVisa’s service fee, and no service can guarantee a visa will be approved.
Mexico
Qatari citizens are generally expected to complete an electronic pre-registration (the Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM) online through Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM). You’ll typically need a valid passport, return tickets, and proof of accommodation.
Travelers who hold a valid multiple-entry U.S. B1/B2 visa (or a valid visa from Canada, Japan, the UK, or the Schengen area) are often exempt from Mexico’s tourist visa requirement for short stays. If you’d rather not manage the paperwork yourself, you can use our services for the Mexico entry documents.
Canada
Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is now available to Qatari passport holders arriving by air. Travelers who don’t qualify for the eTA need a standard visitor visa, which involves biometrics and can take several weeks to process.
On arrival, travelers complete the ArriveCAN travel declaration, which can help speed up border processing. If you plan to cross into Canada by land from the US, a valid passport is generally all that’s required, since the eTA applies to air travel.
How iVisa can help
iVisa aims to take the friction out of applying for these documents. The service offers:
- A single, streamlined application portal
- Guided US B1/B2 and FIFA PASS applications with dedicated support
- Support in 14+ languages
- Simplified forms that cut down on bureaucratic language
- Automatic formatting of documents to meet government specifications
- Multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Venmo
- 24/7 customer support
Ready to get started? You can apply for your World Cup visa now.
Frequently asked questions for Qatari fans heading to the 2026 World Cup
Does a World Cup ticket guarantee a US visa?
No. A match ticket does not guarantee a visa, but it is the key that unlocks FIFA PASS priority appointments.
Do Qatari citizens need a separate visa for Canada?
As of late 2025, only an eTA is required for air travel.
Can a US B1/B2 visa be used to enter Mexico?
Yes. If your US B1/B2 visa is valid and multiple-entry, it generally exempts you from Mexico’s tourist visa requirement for short stays.
How long does the FIFA PASS process take?
Standard wait times can stretch across several months. FIFA PASS aims to reduce that to roughly six to eight weeks, though timelines vary.
What if I’m entering Canada by land from the US?
For land entry, Qatari citizens generally need only a valid passport. The eTA requirement applies to air travel.
