Norway has officially qualified for their fourth FIFA World Cup and will be making their long-awaited return to the global stage after last appearing at France 1998. For Indian fans eager to witness the Scandinavian side’s historic campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step—from the first idea to sitting inside the stadium
Here is your complete, step-by-step blueprint to follow the team across North America.
Step 1: Fix Your Basic Plan
Norway is drawn in group I with France, Senegal and one of the Bolivia/Iraq/Suriname. Venues of their Group Stage matches in order are Boston → New Jersey → Boston. Being just 370 kms between them, It saves your time on longer travels.
Based on their Group position, Norway’s knockout can take you even to Canada or Mexico so be ready to travel between borders If you plan to witness their Knockout games as well.
Set a rough budget in INR. Your budget will vary significantly depending on whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family – as traveling with 2-3 friends/family members can slash your lodging expenses by 50% or more as compared to going solo.
Step 2: Tickets
The “Golden Ticket” Rule: Without a ticket, visa and travel plans are harder to justify. FIFA has implemented dynamic pricing for the first time, meaning ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, similar to airline fares.
Ticket categories and pricing:
- 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 on FIFA.com/tickets. The third phase of ticket sales begins December 11, 2025, allowing fans to apply for specific matches after the group draw on December 5. 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
Pro Tip : France vs Norway (Mbappe vs Haaland) will be the most in-demand group stage match for Norway if not across all the groups, so better be first in the queue for this one as the prices will skyrocket like crazy.
Step 3: Visa
Since there are three host countries, you must navigate three different immigration systems. Start with the US Visa, as it simplifies entry to Mexico.
- United States (The Hub)
- Visa and Fee : B-1/B-2 (Tourist). Currently the processing fee is $185 or roughly ₹15,500–₹16,000. From 2026 onwards, a new non‑refundable Visa Integrity Fee of $250 will apply for Indian applicants, taking the total to around $435, i.e. roughly ₹36,500–₹37000for a 10‑year multiple‑entry B1/B2 visa.
- Wait Time: FIFA has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), which gives official World Cup 2026 ticket holders access to prioritised US visa interview appointments for non‑immigrant visas like B1/B2. So expect the processing period to be around 5-7 months. So hurry up with the US Visa.
- You can get your US Visa application done hassle-free with Atlys by clicking here.
- Canada (The Separate Process)
- Visa and Fee: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV). The standard visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person, which is approximately ₹6,000–₹6,200, plus a biometrics fee of CAD 85 (about ₹5,100–₹5,300), taking the total to around CAD 185 or roughly ₹11,000–₹11,500 per traveller.
- No “Fan ID” Waiver: Canada has confirmed standard immigration rules apply, no visa waivers for ticket holders.
- Processing Time : Currently takes ~50-60 days for Indians. Apply for this after your US visa is secured, or concurrently if you have the funds.
Key Documents Required during processing:
- 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
Major departure points include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Flights from Delhi/Mumbai to New York (JFK) or Boston (BOS) are typically cheaper (₹75k–₹85K return).
Current flight costs (one-way from India to US):
- Mumbai/Delhi to New York: Starting ₹35,000–₹40,000. Air India is the best option in this route
- Mumbai/Delhi to Boston: Starting ₹36,000. Most affordable and time-saving choice as the first match is in Boston. Etihad Airways provides the best options for this route.
Most India-US flights involve one or two stops via Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or European cities.
Booking tips : Book 4–6 months in advance for the best rates, and consider flying mid-week (Tuesday–Wednesday) for lower fares. Avoid booking non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved. Book a “Multi-City” flight (e.g., Delhi → New York, Boston → Delhi) to save time on backtracking.
Step 5: Internal Travel
Distances in North America are massive. A train from New York to Mexico City would take days.
- Between Countries: Flying Budget airlines like Southwest (US), Volaris (Mexico), and WestJet (Canada) are your best bets.
- Within Countries:
- USA: Domestic flights are best for covering large distances quickly. Budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier offer affordable fares.
Bus services like Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus offer routes between major cities like Boston and New York ranging between $20–$35.
Trains between New York and Boston cost around just $40–$50 if booked early. The Amtrak Rail Pass for 30 days can cost around $299 during sales period.
Check this out for Bus and Train’s fare enquiry and booking. - Canada: Excellent public transit with affordable cost around $5 to $10 (TTC in Toronto, SkyTrain in Vancouver).
- Mexico: Mexico City Metro is cheap (around $1 to $2) and efficient; Uber is safe and affordable (around $4 to $5).
- USA: Domestic flights are best for covering large distances quickly. Budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier offer affordable fares.
Uber/Lyft provide affordable intra-city options for commuting between Airport, accommodation and stadium.
‘Some host cities may offer free public transport on matchday for ticket holders, verify this closer to the tournament once specific city policies are announced.
Step 6: Accommodations
Choose your base location strategically, near the stadium, city center, or close to public transport hubs. During the World Cup, accommodation prices surge significantly, so book early.
Accommodation types:
- Hotels: Reliable with included amenities (breakfast, cleaning, concierge). Budget hotels start around ₹5,000–₹8,000/night; mid-range ₹10,000–₹15,000/night; luxury ₹20,000+/night.
- Airbnb/Vacation rentals: Better for groups and longer stays with kitchen facilities. Watch for hidden fees (cleaning, service charges).
- Hostels: Budget-friendly for solo travelers, offering shared dormitory options.
How to book : Use Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb, or official World Cup hotel partners like Crewfare, which holds exclusive inventory for fans. Some host cities including Seattle, San Francisco, and Miami have partnered with booking platforms offering official World Cup discounts.
Step 7: International Currency, Insurance, and Connectivity
- Currency: You will need three currencies: USD (USA), CAD (Canada), and MXN (Mexico). Carry a multi-currency Forex card (like Niyo or BookMyForex) to avoid high swap fees.
- Connectivity: Do not buy three separate SIMs. Buy a North America Regional eSIM (via Airalo, Visible or Nomad) that works seamlessly across US, Canada, and Mexico for a single price (around $15-$40).
- Travel and Health insurance : Highly recommended given expensive US healthcare costs. Comprehensive plans covering medical emergencies ($100,000–$500,000), trip cancellation, baggage loss, and evacuation start from ₹1,100–₹2,500for 15-day coverage. Purchase through providers like TATA AIG, HDFC ERGO, or ICICI Lombard.
Summary Checklist
- Fix your plan: Choose host city, target round, set budget
- Book tickets: Create FIFA account, apply during ticket phases
- Apply for visa: Complete DS-160/IMM 5257, schedule interview 5-6 months early
- Book flights: 4–6 months in advance for best rates
- Plan internal travel: Research domestic flights, trains, buses
- Book accommodation: Early booking essential for competitive rates
- Prepare finances & connectivity: Forex cards, eSIM, travel insurance
How Much Would It Cost to Watch the World Cup from India?
| Expense Category | Budget-Friendly (INR / USD) | Luxury (INR / USD) |
| Match Ticket (Group Stage) | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 / $60 – $140 | ₹35,000 – ₹52,000 / $410 – $620 |
| US and Canada Visa (2026 fees) | ₹50,500 / $565 | ₹50,500 / $565 |
| Return Flights | ₹75,000 – ₹85,000 / $900 – $1,000 | ₹1,15,000 – ₹1,50,000 / $1,350 – $1,800 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | ₹35,000 – ₹56,000 / $440 – $650 | ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,40,000 / $1,200 – $1,650 |
| Internal Travel | ₹16,000 – ₹24,000 / $200 – $300 | ₹32,000 – ₹45,000 / $400 – $550 |
| Food & Miscellaneous (7 days) | ₹20,000 – ₹28,000 / $250 – $350 | ₹42,000 – ₹56,000 / $500 – $700 |
| Travel Insurance | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 / $18 – $30 | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 / $30 – $50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹2,03,000 – ₹2,58,000 / $2,450 – $3,050 | ₹3,80,000 – ₹5,00,000 / $4,800 – $6,000 |
Note : Total Cost includes just a single match ticket price. In case of multiple matches, multiply the match tickets cost as per your booking.
FAQs
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for US travel?
While not mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance is highly recommended due to extremely expensive healthcare costs in the US.
Q: Do I need a visa for Mexico if I have a US Visa?
No, Indians with a valid US visa can enter Mexico visa-free for tourism.
Q: Can I drive between the US and Canada?
Yes, but border crossings can take hours during the World Cup. Flying is recommended between match cities.
Q: When should I apply for my Canada/US Visa?
Apply at least 5-6 months before travel (around Dec’25 – Jan’26). Do not wait until the last minute as processing times may surge. Also the Visa fee for USA increases from 2026, so hurry up to save the cost.
