Can I enter the U.S. just to watch the World Cup if I have a tourist visa? Yes, but there are rules
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
The short answer: yes, you can, but it's not automatic
Having a B1/B2 tourist visa allows you to travel to the United States to attend sporting events like the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. government has confirmed that fans from countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B1/B2 visa to attend the matches. However, the visa is only a permit to request entry, not a guarantee that you will be allowed in. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the airport or port of entry makes the final decision.
What does the immigration officer evaluate upon arrival?
The main requirement to be allowed entry is to demonstrate that your trip is temporary and that you intend to return to your country after the World Cup. Immigration law section 214(b) establishes that the applicant must prove they do not have immigrant intent. This is known as demonstrating "ties" or strong connections to your home country.
Documents that prove your ties
To convince the officer, you must bring concrete evidence of your life in your home country:
Stable employment: A letter from your employer stating your position, seniority, salary, and that you have permission to travel during the World Cup.
Property: Property deeds or a rental contract in your name.
Family: Marriage or birth certificates of children who are staying in your country.
Business: If you are a business owner, bring your business registration and tax returns.
Bank statements: Showing sufficient funds to cover your trip.
Travel history: Previous passports with entry/exit stamps from other countries where you left on time.
Having a World Cup ticket is proof that you have a genuine purpose for traveling, but by itself it does not prove that you will return.
Form I-94: your best friend during your stay
Form I-94 is the arrival and departure record issued by CBP when you enter the U.S. It is the most important document during your stay because:
It proves you entered the country legally.
It indicates the exact date by which you must leave (Admit Until Date).
It determines how long you can legally stay.
Your visa may be valid for 10 years, but the I-94 decides how many days you can stay on each trip, generally up to 180 days, although the officer may give you less time if they consider you only need two weeks for the World Cup.
How to obtain and verify your I-94
When you arrive by plane or ship, the I-94 is automatically generated in the system, and the officer stamps your passport with the admission date and your immigration status. You should do the following:
Download it online: Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov within 24 hours of arriving.
Check the departure date: Make sure the date on your I-94 (Admit Until Date) matches your return ticket. If your I-94 expires before your flight, they are giving you less time than you planned.
Keep a copy: Keep a printed or digital copy of the I-94 with you throughout your trip.
If you travel between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (host countries)
The World Cup is being played in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you plan to cross borders during the tournament, there are additional rules.
When returning to the U.S. after visiting Canada or Mexico, B1/B2 visa holders with multiple entry can re-enter by showing their valid visa and passport. However, there is an exception called Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR). This allows re-entry with an expired visa as long as:
You are in nonimmigrant status.
You have an I-94 with a valid departure date.
You have a valid passport.
You have been outside the U.S. for 30 days or less.
You have only traveled to Canada or Mexico (not to another country).
After re-entering, verify your new I-94 online, as the officer may have changed the date until which you are allowed to stay.
FIFA PASS and visa wait times
The Department of State and FIFA created the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) to help fans with official tickets obtain priority appointments for the B1/B2 visa interview.
This system is not a visa, does not guarantee approval, and does not exempt you from any requirements. It only helps expedite the appointment. Ticket holders must register on FIFA.com to obtain a FIFA PASS key and use it when scheduling the appointment at the consulate.
Common mistakes you should avoid
Believing the visa is an automatic entry permit: The CBP officer at the border decides whether to let you in.
Not checking your passport validity: It must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure date.
Not bringing proof of ties: World Cup tickets alone are not enough to prove you will return.
Confusing visa validity with length of stay: Even if your visa lasts 10 years, the I-94 may only give you 2 weeks.
Overstaying your permitted time: If you overstay, your visa is automatically canceled. Overstaying more than 180 days but less than a year results in a 3-year reentry bar; over a year results in a 10-year bar.
Not checking your I-94 after each entry: If you travel to Canada or Mexico and return, you will be given a new I-94 that you must check.
Applying for the visa in a country that is not yours: Since September 2025, you must apply for the B1/B2 at the consulate of your country of nationality or residence.
The role of RISE Immigration Services
At RISE Immigration Services, we are not lawyers, but we are here to inform and guide you with clear and reliable information. We help you understand the requirements, prepare the necessary documentation, and avoid mistakes that could cost you entry to the U.S. We are a community of Latinos helping Latinos, and we want your World Cup experience to be unforgettable for the right reasons.
References
U.S. Department of State. U.S. Visa and Travel Information for FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fans.
Travel and Tour World. Expert Guide To Official Entry Requirements For 2026 World Cup Matches. 11 de junio de 2026.
Scott Legal, P.C. World Cup 2026: Re-Entry Into the United States. 31 de mayo de 2026.
Lunel Law. Visa for FIFA World Cup 2026: Everything you need to know. 19 de mayo de 2026.
Boundless Immigration. Form I-94, Explained. 28 de julio de 2025.
Any-Visa. B1/B2 Visa Requirements for Moroccan Citizens: 2026 FIFA World Cup Checklist. 9 de abril de 2026.
Manifest Law. What International Fans Need to Know About U.S. Travel for the 2026 World Cup. 12 de mayo de 2026.
Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm. Traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup. 15 de mayo de 2026.
Travel Tourister. FIFA PASS Explained: How UK, Australian, Canadian & Global Football Fans Get Into the United States for World Cup 2026. 11 de junio de 2026.
Poyner Spruill LLP. 2026 FIFA World Cup: U.S. Travel and Visa Considerations. 11 de mayo de 2026.
News of Bahrain. Priority Visa Pathway Announced for FIFA World Cup 2026 Fans. 16 de junio de 2026.
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