How to become a volunteer at the 2026 World Cup — step-by-step guide

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway with less than a year to go now before the action gets underway with the opening game scheduled for Mexico City on June 11.

The tournament will be co hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and for the first time ever, will feature 48 participating nations.

With the expanded tournament, FIFA have started their volunteer recruitment campaign with approximately 65,000 participants needed to cover a wide range of areas and roles in 2026.

If you are interested in applying, there are a series of procedures to follow: The first step is to sign up on the official FIFA Volunteer Community platform. This is a mandatory prerequisite for submitting a full application for the World Cup.

After joining the community, you must fill out the application form for the FIFA World Cup 2026 program. During this process, you will select your preferred host city and provide details about your skills and availability.

The application includes a brief online assessment where you will share your passion for the tournament and explain why you would be a good fit for the volunteer team.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an in-person or group recruitment event in your chosen host city. The selection process also includes a background check.

If selected, you will be offered a specific role and matched with a functional area, such as stadium operations, media, fan services, or logistics. You will then receive training for your assigned role.

Key requirements for applying

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of your application. There is no upper age limit and you must be able to commit to a minimum of eight shifts during the tournament, which takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Some shifts may occur before the official start date.

A good command of English is required. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable for those volunteering in Mexico, and Canadian French is a bonus for those in Canada.

You must be legally eligible to volunteer in the host country you are applying for. FIFA does not cover travel, accommodation, or visa expenses but the good news is that no prior volunteering experience is needed to apply.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.