Scramble for 2026 World Cup tickets begins

Fifa's first ticketing lottery phase opens on Sept 10, and official hospitality packages with guaranteed seats are already on sale, as are third-party travel packages for US matches

- Alison de Souza

LOS ANGELES - Held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the next World Cup will be like no other.

For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With 48 teams competing - up from 32 previously - in 104 matches across 16 host cities, it will be the largest World Cup ever staged. It is projected to draw six million visitors to the US, according to a February report by industry body US Travel Association.

But this influx will come on the heels of President Donald Trump's administration introducing more restrictions and scrutiny at immigration checkpoints in 2025.

So, in addition to navigating the World Cup ticketing system and making travel arrangements, fans will have to keep an eye on changing entry requirements and visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) processing times.

Singaporeans - who remain eligible for the US Visa Waiver Programme - are not subject to the new travel ban on citizens of countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar and Iran.

Nor will they be subject to the new scheme requiring those from countries with high rates of overstaying their US tourist visas, such as Zambia and Malawi, to pay up to US$15,000 (S$19,300) as a bond.

Despite these regulations, the US remains deeply committed to welcoming international visitors, says Ms Jennifer Tong, senior director of international public relations at Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the country.

"The World Cup is a celebration of unity and the US is preparing to welcome fans from around the world with world-class hospitality," she tells The Straits Times. She adds that Brand USA's travel partners in Asia report that many from the region are already expressing interest in visiting the US during the World Cup period.