Canada is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside the United States and Mexico — one of the biggest sporting events in the world. With matches in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors.
Visa Requirements for World Cup Visitors
IRCC has urged visitors to apply for visas early to avoid delays. Here's what international fans need to know:
- eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — citizens of visa-exempt countries (UK, Australia, EU, Japan, etc.) need an eTA to fly to Canada ($7 CAD)
- Visitor visa — citizens of visa-required countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- Processing times — vary by country; apply months in advance
- Biometrics — first-time applicants may need to provide fingerprints and photos
Check current processing times with our IRCC Processing Times Tracker.
Host Cities in Canada
Two Canadian cities will host World Cup matches:
- Toronto, Ontario — BMO Field (capacity ~45,000). Toronto is Canada's largest city and financial capital, located on the shores of Lake Ontario.
- Vancouver, British Columbia — BC Place (capacity ~54,000). Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and is known for its stunning mountain and ocean scenery.
Why This Matters for the Citizenship Test
The World Cup is a great opportunity to learn facts that appear on the citizenship test:
- Toronto — capital of Ontario (not the capital of Canada — that's Ottawa!)
- Vancouver — largest city in British Columbia, hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics
- Hockey is Canada's national winter sport, but lacrosse is the national summer sport (not soccer!)
- Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories
- Ontario and British Columbia are two of the four original Confederation provinces (along with Quebec and Nova Scotia — wait, BC joined later in 1871!)
Canada's International Presence
Co-hosting the World Cup reflects Canada's growing role on the world stage. The citizenship test covers Canada's international involvement:
- Canada is a founding member of the United Nations (1945)
- Canada is part of NATO, G7, and the Commonwealth
- Lester B. Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize for proposing UN peacekeeping during the Suez Crisis
- Canada participates in NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense) with the United States
Prepare for Your Citizenship Test
Whether you're watching the World Cup as a new Canadian or studying for your citizenship test, use these resources:
- Canada's Regions — learn about Toronto, Vancouver, and all provinces
- Modern Canada — Canada's international role and organizations
- Canadian Symbols — national sports, emblems, and traditions
- Take a Practice Test — 20 questions, 45 minutes, just like the real test
Good luck — and enjoy the beautiful game in your new home country! 🍁⚽