How to Watch Spain Live from Stadium at the FIFA World Cup 2026 from India: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine being part of the famous “La Marea Roja”(The Red Tide) as a fan of the Spanish football team from India, and marching towards the stadium with the iconic red tide to watch your favourite Spanish National team on the world’s biggest stage. For a fan from India, travelling to North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico) to watch La Roja at the World Cup is a dream, and it requires a precise roadmap and planning to reach the biggest stage of football for a fan, especially in terms of logistics. Welcome to the Road to the World Cup 2026, where we provide a detailed, step-by-step guide covering the entire journey to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Watch your favourites, such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri, or Pedri, in action live from the stadium. Here, we will break down all the essential stages, including tickets, visa, flights, accommodation, local transport, and matchday basics, so that you have a hassle-free experience and a memory for a lifetime at football’s biggest stage.

Here Is How to Plan your Trip

Step 1: Fix Your Basic Plan

Before booking anything, we need a solid roadmap that’ll lead us to the World Cup.

• Decide on the Host Country: The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries spread across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Our first plan of action will be to track where Spain will play their group stage or Knock-Out (if they qualify). Here, they are placed in Group H, where they’ll face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and they’ll play all their Group Stage matches at Atlanta, USA; and Zapopan(Guadalajara), Mexico. Spain will play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, against Cape Vere, and Saudi Arabia; and against Uruguay at the Akron Stadium, Zapopan, Guadalajara.

• Choose the World Cup Round to Watch: The next part of this plan is to decide which rounds of the World Cup you’ll watch. There will be guaranteed three group stage matches, and then the knockouts, where you have to take the gamble if the team qualifies for the Knockout rounds, and if they qualify, they qualify to the same host stadium, whose tickets you will buy. The likely path if Spain qualify for the further knockout stages at the World Cup
• If they win the group: They travel to Atlanta > Atlanta > Guadalajara (Group Stage) > LA(Ro32) > Dallas(Ro16) > LA(QF) > Dallas (SF).
• If they come second: They travel Atlanta > Atlanta > Guadalajara (Group Stage) > Miami (Ro32) > Atlanta (Ro16) > Kansas (QF) > Atlanta (SF).
• Note on 3rd Place: If they finish 3rd and still qualify (as one of the 8 best third-place teams), their path is variable and could send them to play the winner of Group A, L, I, or G in cities like Boston, Los Angeles, or New York.
• Check Schedule: Review the tentative tournament dates and match schedule to create a rough itinerary for the World Cup and apply for leave from your office, school, college, etc.
• Set a Budget: Create a rough budget that will cover the match tickets, visa, flights, accommodation, food, and local transport.
• Solo or Group: Decide how you will travel to the host nation (alone or with friends or family), as this will help ease the budget and spread the expenses if more people travel with you.

Step 2: Tickets

This is the most critical part of the roadmap, as without this, the entire plan doesn’t stand. The visa process and travel plans get more streamlined with this.

• Understand the System: World Cup tickets are rolled out in phases (Random Selection Draw, First Come First Served basis, and Last Minute Sales). However, for the first time, FIFA has implemented dynamic pricing, meaning ticket prices will hugely depend on demand, similar to airline fares.
• Targeting Spain: On the website, we should check for the “Follow Your Team” (FYT)  ticket packages, which guarantee tickets for Spain matches regardless of the venue.
• Mark these key dates: The Group Draw takes place on December 5, and the third phase of ticket sales begins on December 11, 2025. This crucial phase allows you to apply for a specific Spain match rather than just booking blind venue packages.
• Know the ticket categories and estimated costs:
  • Category 1(Best seats, lower tier): $410–$620 for group matches.
  • Category 2(Mid-tier): $260–$465.
  • Category 3(Upper tier): $120–$215.
  • Category 4(Most affordable): $60–$140 for group stage matches.
• How to book:
  • Create a free FIFA account oncom/tickets.
  • Target specific matches once the schedule is confirmed post-draw.

For detailed step-by-step instructions on navigating FIFA’s ticketing portal and securing team-specific tickets, check out our comprehensive article on How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: A Complete Guide.

Step 3: VISA

The 2026 World Cup is spread across three host countries, and this might be a little confusing for fans, as you may have to navigate up to three different immigration systems. Since visa processing times for North America can be long for Indian citizens, you must plan this early.

1. United States (The Hub)Start here. A valid US visa is the most critical document for travelling to the USA and to experience the World Cup and travel within the States.

• Visa type and fees: To enter the US, you must obtain a B-1/B-2 (Tourist) visa. It is vital to budget for a significant price increase. While the base fee stands at $185(approx ₹15,500–₹16,000), a new regulation effective from 2026 imposes an additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee on Indian applicants. This pushes the total non-refundable cost for a 10-year multiple-entry visa to approximately $435 (₹36,500–₹37,000).
• Identify Visa Type: You will likely need a US B1/B2 tourist visa. If  Spain plays in Canada, you will need a Canadian visitor visa. Note that a U.S. visa often grants entry into Mexico, but verify current rules.
• FIFA PASS: FIFA has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). This gives official World Cup 2026 ticket holders access to prioritised US visa interview appointments. Even with this, expect the processing period to be around 5-7 months, so apply immediately after securing tickets.

2. Mexico (The Strategic Entry): La Roja are drawn to play in Mexico City against Uruguay, and might play one of their knockout games in Mexico. At Monterrey or Guadalajara, in the knockout stages. You might be dreading another visa application. Good news: this is likely your easiest entry point.

• The “Golden Key” Exemption: Mexico offers a massive advantage to Indian fans. If you hold a valid, multiple-entry visa for the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, or the Schengen Area, you are exempt from applying for a separate Mexican visa. Since you are already securing a US visa for the tournament hub (Step 3.1), your entry to Mexico is effectively free and paperwork-light.
• The “Direct” Route (If needed): If you do not hold one of the visas listed above, you must apply for a standard Tourist Visa.
  • Cost: The fee is approximately $54 USD (roughly ₹4,800 depending on exchange rates).
  • Process: Unlike the online systems, this requires an in-person interview and biometric submission at the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai.
• The Mandatory “Tourist Card”: Regardless of whether you use a US visa or a Mexican visa to enter, every fan must complete the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This is a simple immigration form usually handed out on the flight or available at the border; keep the stamped portion safe, as you must surrender it when you leave the country.

Key Documents Required: Prepare these documents before visiting the VFS or Embassy:

• Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity beyond the intended stay.
• Photos: Recent 2×2-inch passport-sized photos.
• Forms: Completed DS-160 (USA) or IMM 5257 (Canada).
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements, ITR (Income Tax Returns) to prove you can afford the trip.
• Travel Details: Itinerary & flight/hotel booking details.
• Ties to India: Property papers or family documents to prove you will return.

Recommended Service: Navigating US visa slots can be difficult. You can get your US Visa application done hassle-free with Atlys. Link for Visa: Click Here to Apply.

Step 4: Travel

Booking international flights from India to North America is a major expense.

• Departure City: Choose a major hub like Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), or Bengaluru (BLR) for better connectivity.
• Entry and Exit: You might fly into New York (JFK) and fly out of Los Angeles (LAX), depending on Spain’s schedule.
• Route: Compare one-stop vs. two-stop flights. Common layovers for North America include London, Frankfurt, Dubai, or Doha.
• Booking Tips: Book 4-6 months in advance for the best rates. Use incognito mode and compare prices across aggregators to save money.

Step 5: Internal Travel

Distances between host cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico are vast.

• Airport to City: Research if your host city uses Metro, Uber, or Airport Shuttles.
• Inter-City Travel: If Spain plays their next game in a different city, you will likely need to book domestic flights. Trains (like Amtrak) are an option only in specific corridors (e.g., the Northeast USA).
• Match Day: Check if your match ticket provides free access to public transport on match day, which is common in World Cups.

Step 6: Accommodation

• Decide Your Base: Do you want to stay near the stadium (often far from city centres in the US), in the City Centre (downtown), or near a transport hub?.
• Types of Stays:
  – Hotels: Convenient but expensive.
  – Hostels: A great solo option as it’s budget-friendly and great for meeting other fans.
  – Apartments (Airbnb): Good for travelling with groups.
• Booking: Book refundable options as soon as the schedule is announced.
• Note: Safety and proximity to public transport should be your top priority when choosing a location.

Step 7: International Currency, Insurance, etc.

• Transactions: Activate international usage on your Indian Credit/Debit cards or get a Forex card (Niyo, BookMyForex).
• Connectivity: International roaming packs from Jio/Airtel are expensive. It is cheaper to buy a local SIM or an eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) for data in the US/Canada.
• Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Medical costs in North America are extremely high. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Summary (A Quick Look at Your Road To World Cup Plan)

1. Plan: Check Spain’s schedule and budget.
2. Tickets: Secure match tickets via FIFA.
3. Visa: Apply for US/Canada visas immediately via Atlys.
4. Flights: Book an India to North America round-trip.
5. Stay: Book accommodation near transport hubs.
6. Essentials: Get Insurance, Forex, and an eSIM.

How Much Would it cost to watch the World Cup from India

Below is an estimated cost breakdown for a 10-day trip covering the group stages.

FAQs

Q: Do I need separate visas for the USA, Canada, and Mexico?
Generally, yes. However, a valid US visa often allows entry into Mexico for tourism. Canada requires its own visa or eTA. Always check the latest diplomatic rules.

Q: When should I book my flights?
Ideally, 5-6 months before the tournament to get the best rates.

Q: Can I buy tickets from third-party sites?
It is highly risky. The only official source is FIFA.com.

Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for travel?
While not mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance is highly recommended due to extremely expensive healthcare costs in the US.​

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