Travel to Canada and USA by Volunteering for the 2026 World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Millions of people watch the matches, and thousands of fans travel from country to country just to see their favorite teams play. In 2026, the World Cup will be very special. It will be hosted by three countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This means many exciting opportunities will be available—especially for volunteers.

If you’ve always wanted to visit North America, one smart and affordable way is to travel to Canada and USA by volunteering for the 2026 World Cup. This guide will explain what volunteering for the World Cup means, who can apply, and how this can help you explore two amazing countries: Canada and the USA.

Why Volunteer for the 2026 World Cup?

Volunteering is when you work without getting paid, usually to help others or support a big event. The World Cup needs thousands of volunteers to help with:

Welcoming fans
Translating languages
Providing directions
Helping with transportation
Working at stadiums
Managing events and media

By volunteering, you become part of something big—and you may get the chance to travel, meet new people, and gain valuable experience.

If you are young, energetic, and love football (soccer), this is a dream opportunity to travel to Canada and USA by volunteering for the 2026 World Cup.

What Makes the 2026 World Cup Special?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be:

The first to be hosted by three countries: USA, Canada, and Mexico
The first World Cup with 48 teams instead of 32
Played in 16 cities across North America
Full of cultural exchange and international friendship

Because it is such a large event, over 20,000 volunteers will be needed. Many will be chosen from other countries—not just Canada or the USA.

Benefits of Volunteering at the World Cup

Here are some of the biggest reasons people want to travel to Canada and USA by volunteering for the 2026 World Cup:

Free Entry to the Event

Many volunteers get free access to certain matches, events, and areas that fans usually pay a lot of money to enter.

Work Experience

Volunteering shows you can work in a team, solve problems, and handle responsibility. This can help you later when applying for jobs or visas.

Meet People from Around the World

You will make friends from many countries and cultures, including locals from Canada and the USA.

Explore New Places

If you are selected to volunteer, you may be based in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, New York, or Los Angeles. This gives you a chance to travel, take pictures, and enjoy new environments.

Step Toward Immigration or Scholarships

Many people who volunteer during international events later use the experience to apply for:

Scholarships
Study visas
Work programs
Permanent residency

It shows that you have international experience and are active in global events.

Where Will the 2026 World Cup Be Held?

Here are the host cities in Canada and the USA where you might be placed as a volunteer:

In Canada:

Toronto, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia

In the USA:

New York/New Jersey
Dallas
Atlanta
Los Angeles
Miami
Philadelphia
Houston
Seattle
San Francisco Bay Area
Kansas City
Boston

If you get selected, your volunteer location will depend on your skills, language ability, and where help is needed.

Who Can Apply to Be a Volunteer?

FIFA and local organizing teams will release detailed application rules in 2025. But based on past events, these are usually the basic requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old by 2026
Have a valid passport
Be able to speak English, French, or Spanish
Be available for training and the full tournament period
Be friendly, responsible, and hardworking

You do not need to be from Canada or the USA to volunteer. People from all countries are welcome to apply.

How to Apply to Volunteer for the 2026 World Cup

If you want to travel to Canada and USA by volunteering for the 2026 World Cup, here are the basic steps you will need to follow:

Step 1: Visit the Official FIFA Volunteer Website

FIFA usually opens applications on its official site: https://www.fifa.com

There will be a special section called “Volunteer Programme 2026” where you can:

Register your profile
Choose your location (Canada, USA, or Mexico)
Select the role you want (e.g., translation, guest services, transport)
Upload your photo and documents

Step 2: Wait for Selection or Interview

After applying, you may be invited to:

An online interview
A short video call
A test of your language or communication skills

Don’t worry if your English isn’t perfect. Many volunteers are chosen for their positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Step 3: Get a Volunteer Invitation

If you are selected, you will receive an official invitation letter. This can be used to apply for a visitor visa or even a temporary work visa (depending on the country).

Step 4: Apply for a Visa

To enter Canada or the USA, you will need a visa. The volunteer invitation will help you explain your travel purpose.

You may need:

A visitor visa (for short stay)
A temporary worker visa (if the volunteer role is considered essential work)

Start this process early—visa approvals can take time.

Does Volunteering Cover Travel or Accommodation?

This depends on the city and the organizing team. Usually:

Volunteers are not paid money
Some get free uniforms, meals, and transport during the event
In rare cases, free accommodation or help finding a host family is offered
You may need to pay for your flight and visa

So you must plan and save money for your trip—but the rewards and experience are worth it.

Can Volunteering Lead to Permanent Stay?

While volunteering does not directly lead to permanent residency, it can help your profile if you want to stay later for:

Work
Study
Internship
Cultural exchange
Immigration programs

Some people who volunteer later return to Canada or the USA with:

Student visas
Express Entry (Canada)
J1 cultural visas (USA)
Study or work sponsorship

You will already have contacts, experience, and confidence to apply for these programs.

Real-Life Example

Ahmed from Morocco applied to be a volunteer for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He worked in the transportation team, helping fans get to the stadiums. After the tournament, he used his experience to apply for a scholarship in Canada and got accepted by a college in Toronto. He now lives in Canada and plans to apply for permanent residency.

If Ahmed can do it, you can too.

What to Do While Waiting for Applications to Open

Even though volunteer registration for the 2026 World Cup is not open yet, you can start preparing now:

Practice your English
Get a passport if you don’t have one
Join local volunteer events
Learn more about Canadian and American culture
Save money for your trip
Stay updated on the official FIFA website

Final Tips for Success

Be honest in your application
Show energy, passion, and interest in football
Be flexible—your volunteer job may change
Respect the rules and be professional
Make friends and build your network

Conclusion

If you want to explore North America but have limited money, one of the smartest options is to travel to Canada and USA by volunteering for the 2026 World Cup. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lets you take part in the world’s biggest sports event, meet people from all over the globe, and enjoy the beauty of cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and New York.

Start planning now. Keep your eye on the official FIFA website. Prepare your documents and improve your skills. When the application opens, apply early and give it your best.

Volunteering at the World Cup can change your life—and it could be your first step toward a future in Canada or the United States.

Travel to Canada and USA by Volunteering for the 2026 World Cup

Why Volunteer for the 2026 World Cup?

What Makes the 2026 World Cup Special?