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

The long wait is over, and for the Tartan Army, 2026 represents the ultimate stage for a historic run. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will span three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and Scotland is ready to make its mark on North American soil. Here is everything you need to know about Scotland’s schedule, their potential path to the final, and the visas you’ll need to get there.

Scotland’s group stage schedule

Scotland has been drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. In this predicted scenario, Scotland finishes second in the group to begin an incredible unbeaten run through the knockout stages.

Match 1: Haiti vs. Scotland

• Date: June 13, 2026
• Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston
• The Vibe: A massive coastal party in Boston as Scotland ends its 28-year tournament drought against the Caribbean newcomers.

Match 2: Scotland vs. Morocco

• Date: June 19, 2026
• Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston
• The Vibe: Staying in New England for a high-stakes clash against the North African giants; the atmosphere in the "Home of the Revolution" will be electric.

Match 3: Scotland vs. Brazil

• Date: June 24, 2026
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• The Vibe: The ultimate group stage finale in the humidity of Miami. Scotland faces the Seleção for the fifth time in World Cup history, aiming for a point to secure second place.

Scotland’s pathway to glory

If Scotland tops Group C or qualifies as one of the best runners-up, the road to the final becomes a thrilling cross-continental tour. This scenario looks at Scotland’s fixtures if they have an unbeaten run after finishing second in Group C.

Round of 32: The gateway to glory

• When: June 29, 2026
• Where: Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
• The Scenario: Finishing 2nd in Group C sends Scotland to Mexico to face the winner of Group F (likely the Netherlands or Japan).

Round of 16: The Texas Tussle

• When: July 4, 2026
• Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
• The Scenario: An Independence Day showdown in the heat of Houston as the Tartan Army enters the final sixteen.

Quarter-Finals: Back to Boston

• When: July 9, 2026
• Where: Gillette Stadium, Boston
• The Scenario: Returning to their (by now) spiritual home in Foxborough for a shot at a historic semi-final spot.

Semi-Finals: The Big Stage

• When: July 14, 2026
• Where: Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
• The Scenario: Scotland under the bright lights of Jerry World, just one win away from the most unlikely final in history.

The Final: The Ultimate Dream

• When: July 19, 2026
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• The Scenario: The Tartan Army occupies New York as Scotland plays for the world title.

World Cup visas & travel documents for Scottish fans

Make sure you know exactly which travel documents you need and use this visa checking tool:

Scottish football fans traveling to the United States

The UK is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which simplifies entry significantly.

• US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Most Scottish citizens do not need a traditional visa for the US. Instead, you must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. The US B1/B2 Visitor Visa: If they do not qualify for a US ESTA, some Scottish football fans will need a US B1/B2 visa. If you don't already have a U.S. Visa, you need to apply as soon as possible.
• FIFA PASS: If you’ve already purchased tickets to matches in the U.S., you can apply for your US B1/B2 visa 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.

When will Scotland football fans need a US B1/B2 visa?

While the US ESTA is the standard entry path for most Scottish fans, there are specific scenarios where you must apply for a US B1/B2 Visitor Visa to attend the World Cup.

• Extended Stays: If you plan to stay in the U.S. for longer than 90 days, an ESTA is insufficient.
• 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: Travel to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, requires a B1/B2 visa application.
• Dual Nationality: Citizens who also hold citizenship of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are generally ineligible for an ESTA.
• Passport Type: An ESTA requires a biometric e-passport. Temporary or non-electronic passports require a formal visa.
• Previous Denial or Overstay: If you have ever been denied an ESTA or overstayed a previous visit, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa.
• Mode of Transport: Arriving via a non-VWP-approved carrier, such as a private plane, makes an ESTA invalid.

Scottish football fans traveling to Mexico

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

Scottish football fans traveling to Canada

Canada’s rules for Scots are specific:

• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you are flying into Canada, Scottish citizens require an eTA linked to their passport.
• 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 Scotland’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 Scottish fans heading to the 2026 World Cup