Canada is gearing up for one of the biggest years in its sporting history as it prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Toronto and Vancouver set to host multiple matches and the FIFA Congress scheduled to take place on Canadian soil, the country is taking major steps to ensure the international event runs efficiently.
For soccer fans, this marks a monumental moment — the first time the men’s FIFA World Cup will be played in Canada, a milestone that positions the country on the global football stage. But beyond the excitement, the federal government is introducing important policy changes meant to support the thousands of FIFA-related workers expected to enter the country.
New Entry Rules for FIFA-Associated Workers
To manage the massive operational demands of the tournament, Canada has introduced a temporary work permit exemption for certain foreign workers. This exemption is designed to speed up entry for individuals coming specifically to support FIFA operations — from event management to logistics, media coordination, technical setup, security, and other tournament-related duties.
The idea is simple:
Workers whose contributions are essential to running the World Cup smoothly should not be slowed down by lengthy immigration procedures.
This policy acknowledges the international scale of the event and aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers for people whose work in Canada will be short-term and highly specific.
Who Qualifies for the Exemption?
The exemption is not automatic and does not apply to all visitors. To qualify, a foreign national must meet very clear requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligible workers must:
- Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) within the special window:
December 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026 - Possess an official invitation letter from FIFA, which confirms that the individual is:
- A direct employee of FIFA
- An employee of a FIFA-designated partner
- A contracted worker hired by FIFA or its partners
- A subcontractor working under a company already in partnership with FIFA
- Be performing duties directly connected to the 2026 World Cup or the FIFA Congress
- Have their name included in FIFA’s official registry of approved workers
Only workers on FIFA’s special list are eligible. The list is one of the most important verification tools, ensuring that only individuals genuinely required for tournament operations receive this streamlined entry process.
What Workers Still Need to Do
While the temporary exemption eases the need for a work permit, it does not automatically grant entry into Canada.
Eligible workers must still:
- Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, the standard document that allows a foreign national to visit Canada
- Meet all admissibility requirements, including background checks, security screening, and compliance with Canadian immigration laws
In other words, the exemption removes a hurdle — the work permit — but does not waive other fundamental entry requirements.
Officials have emphasised that the exemption is targeted and controlled, not a relaxation of border security.
How Long Will This Exemption Remain in Place?
The special policy is temporary.
It will remain active until July 31, 2026, unless the Canadian government decides to end it earlier. After the deadline, all standard immigration procedures, including work permit requirements, will automatically resume.
This timeline reflects the duration of the World Cup and related preparations. Workers who are already approved under the exemption before it expires will continue to be covered for the period stated in their authorisation.
Replacing an Earlier Policy
This update also supersedes a previous FIFA-related entry policy issued in October 2025. However, individuals who were already granted permission under that older policy do not lose their status. They remain covered under the regulations until July 31, 2026, unless the government issues further changes.
The revised policy essentially streamlines the earlier version, clarifying who qualifies and ensuring alignment with FIFA’s operational timeline for 2026.
Why Canada Is Making These Adjustments
Hosting World Cup matches is not just a matter of stadium readiness or fan management. Behind the scenes, thousands of specialised workers, technical teams, global broadcasters, medical units, refereeing officials, hospitality staff, and event coordinators are deployed across host cities.
With Toronto and Vancouver expecting high volumes of workers from multiple countries, Canada aims to reduce avoidable delays and ensure operations run smoothly.
Officials say the temporary exemption:
- Prevents immigration bottlenecks
- Helps FIFA deploy its international teams efficiently
- Supports Canada’s image as a reliable host nation
- Ensures timely preparation for both the World Cup and the FIFA Congress
It also mirrors what other host nations previously implemented for large-scale sporting events, including the Olympics and earlier FIFA tournaments.
Even with the exemption, foreign nationals must understand that:
- This is not a visa waiver — a TRV is still required
- It does not guarantee entry; immigration officers will still assess admissibility
- Only workers tied directly to FIFA-linked contracts qualify
- Their names must appear in FIFA’s official roster for verification
- The exemption applies strictly to work between December 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026
Workers coming for non-FIFA reasons—media freelancers, tourists, private contractors, or independent businesses—are not eligible under this policy and must follow regular immigration procedures.
Canada Signals Readiness for a Global Moment
As preparations intensify, this policy serves as another indication that Canada is fully preparing to handle the world’s attention. From stadium developments to immigration protocols, the nation is adapting its systems to ensure a successful and memorable World Cup.
For anyone planning FIFA-related work in Canada, the message is clear: check the details early, secure your invitation, and apply within the designated timeframe.
With record-breaking attendance expected and global anticipation building, Canada’s approach shows its commitment to delivering a seamless, world-class sporting celebration.
