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

This is the logistical playbook for fans of Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons crossing the border to support their team. For the first time, the 2026 World Cup will be hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

Saudi Arabia’s group stage schedule

Saudi Arabia’s journey begins in Group H, alongside Spain, Cabo Verde, and Uruguay. Fans are in luck, as the group stage matches are concentrated in major U.S. hubs, making travel logistics more manageable.

Match 1: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay

• Date: June 15, 2026
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
• The Vibe: Kickstarting the campaign in a city known for its vibrant culture and passion for football. Miami’s energy will provide a spectacular backdrop for this opening clash.

Match 2: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia

• Date: June 21, 2026
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• The Vibe: Heading to the “Empire City of the South.” Atlanta’s world-class indoor arena will be a high-tech cauldron of noise as the Falcons face a European heavyweight.

Match 3: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia

• Date: June 26, 2026
• Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
• The Vibe: Closing out the group in Texas. Houston’s massive stadium and diverse community will ensure a warm welcome as Saudi Arabia looks to secure their spot in the knockouts.

The Saudi Arabian Falcons’ predicted path to the final

If Saudi Arabia finishes second in Group H and continues an unbeaten run, their journey will take them through the heart of the United States.

Round of 32: Return to Miami

• When: July 03, 2026
• Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
• The Scenario: Finishing second in Group H sets up a thrilling knockout opener back in Miami, potentially against the winner of Group J.

Round of 16: Atlanta Encore

• When: July 07, 2026
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• The Scenario: A victory in Florida leads the team back to Atlanta. By this stage, the intensity will be at a fever pitch as the world watches the Falcons’ momentum build.

Quarter-Finals: The Heart of the Country

• When: July 11, 2026
• Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• The Scenario: Saudi Arabia would head to Missouri, home to one of the loudest stadiums on earth, for a high-stakes battle to reach the final four.

Semi-Finals: Southern Semi-Final

• When: July 15, 2026
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• The Scenario: In a remarkable turn of events, the bracket leads back to Atlanta for a third time. Only 90 minutes separate Saudi Arabia from footballing immortality.

The Final: The Grand Stage

• When: July 19, 2026
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• The Scenario: The dream reaches its climax in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. The eyes of the world will be on MetLife Stadium to see if a new legend is written.

World Cup visas and travel documents for Saudi fans

If Saudi Arabia finishes second in their group, they’ll only play games in the US. However, should they qualify via the best third-placed route, they could play games in Canada and Mexico. To follow this path, you’ll need to enter three different countries, and each has its own rules for Saudi citizens. The details below are general guidance rather than legal advice, so confirm the current requirements with official sources before you travel.

Saudi football fans traveling to the United States

The US B1/B2 Visitor Visa is the most critical document. If you don’t already have a U.S. visa, apply as soon as possible.

• The Process: You must file the DS-160 form, pay the U.S. government visa fee, and attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy.
• FIFA PASS: If you’ve already purchased tickets to matches in the U.S., you can apply through FIFA PASS, a priority interview scheduling lane. If you don’t know where to start, you can use iVisa to apply for your FIFA PASS.

Saudi football fans traveling to Mexico

Saudi football fans traveling to Mexico require a valid passport, a Mexican visa (or a valid US visa or residency), and a completed Multiple Digital Migration Form (FMM).

• The Electronic Pre-Registration (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM): Even if you have a valid Mexican visa, you must still complete an electronic FMM pre-registration before flying. You can use our services for this step.
• Requirements: A valid passport, return tickets, and details of your accommodation.

Saudi football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for Saudi Arabian citizens are specific:

• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): You may be eligible for an eTA only if you have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years OR currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, such as a US B1/B2 visa.
• Canadian Visitor Visa: Most Saudi Arabian citizens need a standard Visitor Visa. This requires biometrics and takes several weeks to process.
• ArriveCAN Advance Declaration: Using ArriveCAN is optional. If you want to, you can submit your customs and immigration declaration in the app up to 72 hours before you land, at participating airports. It reduces paperwork at the airport and means quicker processing through border control, a real advantage when traveling during peak 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 Saudi’s hunt for glory. iVisa is a private travel-document service that specializes in making the complex simple:

• Apply through a streamlined application portal: Our application portal is built for a smooth experience, with fewer glitches and bugs to slow you down.
• Intuitive US B1/B2 and FIFA PASS application: We’ll handle your FIFA PASS application, find your nearest and most efficient processing center, and provide 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 standing between you and your trip, which is 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.
• Reliable payment options: We accept all major credit and debit cards, plus PayPal and Venmo.
• 24/7 customer support: If you have a question at 2 AM, our team is there to answer it, so you’re never left wondering about your status.

Note that iVisa charges a service fee in addition to any government visa or processing fee, and iVisa is not affiliated with any government agency.

Frequently asked questions for Saudi Arabian fans heading to the 2026 World Cup

Do Saudi Arabian citizens need a visa for the 2026 World Cup in the USA?

Yes, Saudi Arabian citizens require a B1/B2 Visitor Visa. However, you can use your match ticket to access the FIFA PASS for a priority interview appointment.

Can I enter Canada with a U.S. visa to see a World Cup match?

If you have a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa, you may be eligible for a Canada eTA instead of a full Visitor Visa, which is faster and cheaper to process.

Is the FIFA PASS available at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or Consulate in Jeddah?

Yes, fans with confirmed tickets purchased through official channels can request priority scheduling at U.S. diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia via the FIFA PASS system.

Does a match ticket guarantee my entry into the USA, Mexico, or Canada?

No, a match ticket is not a travel document. You must still meet all immigration requirements and hold a valid visa or authorization for each country you visit.

Should I apply for my U.S. and Canadian visas at the same time?

Yes. Since the Canadian visa process can take several weeks and may require biometrics, it is highly recommended to start both applications at the same time so you can follow the team if they play across the border.