Soccer fans worldwide are buzzing after the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw, with matches set across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. To attend, fans must navigate visa requirements tailored to each host nation, often needing proof of tickets, hotel bookings, and sufficient funds. Ghanaian supporters, note prioritized U.S. visa appointments for ticket holders via the State Department’s dedicated portal.​
Visa Essentials by Host Nation
U.S. visas (B-2 tourist) demand a valid biometric passport (six months beyond departure), a DS-160 form, an interview fee, World Cup tickets, hotel reservations, flight itineraries, bank statements, and a letter explaining intent to return home. Visa Waiver Program countries use ESTA ($21 fee) for 90-day stays, barring overstays or restricted travel history. Canada requires an eTA or visitor visa with similar proofs, while Mexico offers visa-free entry to Ghanaians for up to 180 days but mandates tickets for immigration. Apply early— FIFA aids ticket holders with priority slots starting in 2026.​
Group Stage Ticket Costs
Official FIFA pricing starts at $60 for the Supporter Entry Tier across all 104 matches, with Category 4 at $70-$140, rising to $410+ for premium views. Resale markets show variability: low-end like Tunisia vs. TBD at $161, up to $2,459 for Mexico vs. South Africa, averaging $800-$2,000 per group match regardless of host. Purchase via FIFA.com; hospitality packages add luxury but inflate costs.​
Hotel Booking Breakdown
Expect surges: U.S. cities like Los Angeles ($332-$4,948/night) and New York (over $500 average); Mexico City ($405+); Monterrey ($228-$1,867); and Vancouver/Toronto ($300+). Book flexibly for team advances, showing preliminary reservations for visas—B-2 allows extensions if needed. Platforms like Roadtrips offer World Cup packages bundling stays.​
Pro Tips for Fans
Budget $2,000-$5,000 total per group match trip, covering flights, food ($50-100/day), and transport. Track Ghana’s Group L (vs. Panama, England, and Croatia) for hot tickets. Secure the FIFA Pass app for digital tickets and stadium rules. Health insurance is recommended; monitor the U.S. Embassy in Ghana for updates. Start applications now to beat the 6 million ticket rush. ​
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