ESTA Requirements 2026 World Cup in the USA (UK & Ireland Guide)
Quick Answer
The ESTA Requirements 2026 World Cup: UK and Irish fans must apply online for ESTA before travelling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup. ESTA approval is mandatory for all short‑term visits under 90 days and usually arrives within 72 hours.
- Biometric passport required
- Approved ESTA before departure
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Accommodation details may be requested
- Stay must be under 90 days
Why UK & Irish Fans Need ESTA for the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States. All UK and Irish supporters travelling to matches must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding their flight.
Who Needs ESTA for the World Cup?
ESTA is required for:
- UK passport holders
- Irish passport holders
- Dual nationals travelling on a UK or Irish passport
- Children and infants (each must have their own ESTA)
If you hold a UK or Irish passport, you cannot enter the USA for the World Cup without ESTA.
How Early Should Fans Apply?
- Match attendance
- Tourism
- Transit
- Short business trips
- Visiting friends or family
You can apply for ESTA online in minutes.
ESTA is Required for:
Although most approvals arrive within 72 hours, fans should apply:
- Preferably 1 months before travelling – this way fans will be able to apply for a regular visa in case of an ESTA document application rejected.
- Earlier during peak travel periods (June–July 2026)
Demand will be extremely high due to the tournament. Start here: apply for ESTA.
Which Cities Require ESTA?
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Dallas
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Seattle
- Houston
- Philadelphia
- Boston
- Kansas City
- San Francisco Bay Area
No matter which stadium you visit, ESTA is mandatory. Read more on the ESTA USA Entry Requirements.
Travelling With Family or Groups to the 2026 World Cup Held in the US
Every traveller must have: their own passport | their own ESTA. There is no “group ESTA”. You can help others complete their application using our step‑by‑step ESTA guide.
ESTA Requirements 2026 Word Cup – An Update
ESTA rules for UK and Irish travellers remain unchanged for the 2026 World Cup. A biometric passport and approved ESTA are required before boarding your flight. Processing times remain stable at 72 hours, but fans should apply early due to increased demand during the tournament.
England Squad Announced for the 2026 World Cup
Three Lions Prepare for a Historic Summer in the USA
As UK and Irish fans prepare their trips and check the ESTA requirements 2026 World Cup, England have officially confirmed the 26 players who will represent the nation at this summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Manager Thomas Tuchel revealed the squad during a live broadcast from Wembley Stadium, accompanied by a cinematic announcement film shot in New York and soundtracked by The Beatles’ iconic Come Together. The creative reveal highlighted the cultural connection between England and the USA—fitting for a tournament that will attract thousands of travelling supporters.
Led by captain Harry Kane, who will be appearing in his third World Cup, the squad blends experience with emerging talent. Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Marcus Rashford also return for their third finals, while Jordan Henderson joins an elite group by making his fourth World Cup appearance. Rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will feature in their second tournament, while several players—including Dean Henderson, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins—are set for their first World Cup.
In total, nine players will make their senior tournament debut, reflecting Tuchel’s confidence in England’s new generation. The squad will assemble on 1 June at a preparation camp in Palm Beach, Florida, before warm‑up fixtures against New Zealand in Tampa and Costa Rica in Orlando. England will then move to their tournament base in Kansas City ahead of their opening match against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June. Group fixtures against Ghana in Boston and Panama in New York/New Jersey will follow.
For supporters planning to follow England across the host cities, meeting the ESTA requirements 2026 World Cup is essential. UK and Irish travellers must hold a biometric passport and an approved ESTA before flying to the USA. With matches spread across major cities such as Dallas, Boston and New York, fans are encouraged to apply early to avoid delays during peak travel periods.
This summer promises to be a landmark moment for English football—and ensuring your travel documents meet the esta requirements 2026 world cup will help make the journey as smooth as possible.