Brazil, the most iconic nation in football history, will once again take the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this time across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Indian fans dreaming of watching the Seleção live from inside an American stadium, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From the moment the idea enters your mind to finally taking your seat in a sea of yellow jerseys, here is your complete, step-by-step blueprint to follow Brazil across the USA.
Step 1: Fix Your Basic Plan
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities in the United States (11 cities), Canada (2 cities), and Mexico (3 cities).
Wait for the group-stage draw on December 5, 2025, to see where Brazil will be playing. Since Brazil is a top-seeded nation, their group matches will likely be spread across large venues in major cities. This could mean two matches in the USA and one in either Canada or Mexico, requiring multi-country travel during the group stage.
Once the match locations are clear, begin outlining your basic trip structure: which cities you will land in, how many matches you’re planning to attend, and whether you’ll follow Brazil only through the group stage or into the knockouts.
Set a rough budget in INR for tickets, flights, US visa, accommodation, food, internal travel, and matchday expenses.
Your budget will look very different depending on whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, as group travel can reduce accommodation costs but increase transportation and logistical expenses.
Step 2: Tickets
Before anything else, you need a match ticket. Without it, nothing else in your World Cup plan matters. FIFA will roll out tickets in phases, starting with a lottery and then team-specific and match-specific sales after the draw. Pricing uses dynamic demand-based rules, but group-stage Brazil matches typically fall within these ranges:
Category 1: $410–$620
Category 2: $260–$465
Category 3: $120–$215
Category 4: $60–$140
To book, create a free FIFA account on FIFA.com/tickets, choose the match or team you want and submit your application when Phase 3 opens on December 11, 2025. For a full step-by-step breakdown of the process, refer to our guide on :
How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Step 3: Visa
Since Brazil’s group-stage matches will be held across the US, Canada, or Mexico, Indian fans must plan visas smartly.
Starting with the US B1/B2 visa, which is the most important and also the most time-consuming. The standard fee is $185 (₹15,500–₹16,000), and from 2026 a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will apply, bringing the total to around $435 (₹36,500–₹37,000) for a 10-year multiple-entry visa.
With FIFA introducing the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) for ticket holders, you can expect the overall wait time to be around 5–7 months, so begin this process as early as possible. You can complete your US visa application easily using Atlys by – clicking here.
If Brazil ends up playing in Canada, you’ll also need a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV), which costs CAD 100 + CAD 85 biometrics—roughly ₹11,000–₹11,500 in total. Canada has confirmed there are no special fan visa exemptions, and processing usually takes 50–60 days, so apply once your US visa is underway.
For both applications, keep the essentials ready:
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Recent 2×2 inch Passport sized Photos
- Completed Visa Application Form (DS-160for USA and IMM 5257 for Canada)
- Proof of Funds (Bank Statements, ITR)
- Travel Itinerary & Bookings details
- Ties to India (Property / Family Documents)
Step 4: Travel
For Indian fans heading to the US to follow Brazil, major departure hubs include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Flights to major American gateways like New York (JFK) or San Francisco (SFO) are usually the most cost-effective, with return fares from Delhi/Mumbai often landing in the ₹75,000–₹85,000 range. Current one-way prices are also reasonable: ₹35,000–₹40,000 for Mumbai/Delhi to New York, ₹34,500 from Mumbai to San Francisco, and ₹32,000 from Delhi to Seattle.
Most routes involve one or two stops via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, or London. To save money, book 4–6 months in advance, travel mid-week, and avoid non-refundable tickets until your visa is confirmed. If Brazil’s matches take you across multiple countries, consider a multi-city booking to avoid unnecessary backtracking and cut down overall costs.
Step 5: Internal Travel
For cross-country or cross-border movement, flying is your most practical option. Budget carriers like Southwest (USA), Volaris (Mexico), and WestJet (Canada) offer the best value. Within the US, domestic flights are the fastest way to cover big distances, while buses such as Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus provide cheaper long-distance options starting from $13–$25. Train fans can explore the Amtrak Rail Pass, which drops to around $299 during sales.
Canada offers reliable city transit systems like Toronto’s TTC and Vancouver’s SkyTrain, usually $5–$10 per ride. In Mexico, the Mexico City Metro is extremely affordable at $1–$2, and Uber remains safe and budget-friendly at around $4–$5 per ride. Some World Cup host cities may offer free public transport on matchday for ticket holders. Keep an eye on official announcements closer to the tournament.
Step 5: Internal Travel
Traveling between World Cup host cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico can take a lot of time due to long distances. Once you land, check how to get from the airport to your accommodation. Options usually include Metro, airport shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. If Brazil’s next match is in another city, plan for domestic flights, since traveling by road or train can be slow. Trains like Amtrak are practical only on certain routes, for example, along the Northeast US corridor. On match days, some cities may provide free public transportation for ticket holders, so verify this ahead of time.
Step 6: Accommodations
Pick your base wisely, ideally close to the stadium, the city center, or a major public transport hub. World Cup periods see sharp rises in accommodation prices, so the earlier you book, the better.
Accommodation Options:
Hotels: The most reliable choice, often including amenities like breakfast, daily cleaning, and concierge service. Budget options start around ₹5,000–₹8,000 per night, mid-range between ₹10,000–₹15,000, and luxury hotels can exceed ₹20,000 per night.
Airbnb / Vacation Rentals: Great for groups or longer stays, often with kitchen access. Be mindful of extra fees such as cleaning or service charges.
Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight budget, offering shared dormitories at a low cost.
Booking Tips: Use platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb, or official World Cup partners such as Crewfare, which has exclusive inventory for fans.
Step 7: Currency, Connectivity, and Insurance
You’ll need USD, CAD, and MXN for the US, Canada, and Mexico. A multi-currency Forex card (like Niyo or BookMyForex) helps avoid high conversion fees.
For mobile connectivity, skip buying separate SIMs. Get a North America eSIM (Airalo or Nomad) that works across all three countries.
Travel and health insurance is essential, especially in the US. Plans covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and evacuation typically cost ₹1,100–₹2,500 for 15 days. Providers like TATA AIG, HDFC ERGO, and ICICI Lombard are reliable options.
Brazil World Cup Travel Checklist
- Fix Your Basic Plan– Choose host city/cities, decide which round(s) of Brazil matches to attend, and set a rough budget.
- Book Tickets– Create a FIFA account and apply for Brazil matches during the official ticketing phases.
- Apply for Visa– Complete US B1/B2 and Canada TRV applications; schedule interviews 5–7 months in advance.
- Book Flights– Plan 4–6 months ahead; consider multi-city tickets to save time and money.
- Plan Internal Travel– Research domestic flights, buses, or trains between host cities; check for free public transport on matchdays.
- Reserve Accommodation– Book early; choose hotels, Airbnb, or hostels near stadiums, city centers, or transport hubs.
- Prepare Money & Connectivity– Carry multi-currency Forex cards, get a North America eSIM, and purchase travel & health insurance.
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.
| Expense Category | Budget Friendly Option (INR / USD) | Comfortable Option (INR / USD) |
| Flights | ₹1,10,000 / $1,300 | ₹1,60,000 / $1,900 |
| Visa | ₹15,500 / $185 | ₹15,500 / $185 |
| Match Tickets (Cat 3 vs Cat 1) | ₹25,000 / $300 | ₹60,000 / $720 |
| Accommodation | ₹80,000 (Hostels) / $950 | ₹2,00,000 (Hotels) / $2,400 |
| Internal Travel & Food | ₹50,000 / $600 | ₹1,00,000 / $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹2,80,500 / $3,335 | ~₹5,35,500 / ~$6,405 |
FAQs:
Q: Can I attend multiple Brazil matches in different US cities with one visa?
Yes, a US B1/B2 visa allows travel across all US host cities. For matches in Canada or Mexico, separate visas or travel authorizations are required.
Q: How early should I apply for tickets to Brazil games?
Apply as soon as Phase 3 opens (after the group draw on December 5, 2025). Popular Brazil matches sell out quickly due to high demand.
Q: What is the safest way to manage money abroad?
Use a multi-currency Forex card for USD, CAD, and MXN to avoid high conversion fees. Carry minimal cash and rely on secure digital payments where possible.
