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Here’s how you can volunteer at the World Cup 2026!
Wondering how to see the World Cup as a volunteer? Learn how to become a FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer, what roles are available, and what to expect.
Want to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup live but don’t have the budget for it? FIFA recently opened an official volunteer program for the 2026 World Cup. They’re recruiting 65,000 volunteers for placements across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
As the 2026 World Cup is the biggest to date, this volunteer program is expected to be the largest in FIFA history!
But what exactly does being a FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer involve? And how can you get involved?
In this article, we’re diving into how to see the World Cup as a volunteer. We’re sharing FIFA’s guidance on the volunteer roles, perks, and application process.
What is the 2026 FIFA World Cup volunteer program?
In 2020, FIFA revamped its volunteer experience by creating an official volunteer program. Since then, FIFA has offered unpaid roles at 21 tournaments and events, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they recruited 20,000 volunteers.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest yet, and so is their volunteer program.
They’re looking for 65,000 people willing to donate their time, energy, and skills. You’ll support the delivery and operations of the most major sporting event in 2026, assisting in person at one of the 16 venues across three host countries.
To apply, you don’t need to have any previous event experience, but FIFA’s volunteer eligibility criteria do require that you are:
- Aged 18 or over
- Able to speak English
- Available for a minimum of eight shifts during the volunteering period (11 June – 19 July 2026). Shifts are between six and eight hours.
FIFA’s volunteering program has a clear structure.
- If your application is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend Volunteer Team Tryouts.
- If successful, you’ll be assigned a role based on your skills, availability, and operational needs.
- You’ll then have to complete training and pass a background review.
What roles are available as FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteers?
Volunteer roles for the 2026 World Cup include:
- Access management: Access management volunteers support the safety and security of the venues
- Anti-Doping: The anti-doping team notifies athletes and assists them with testing.
- Arrivals & Departures: The role involves meeting and greeting VIPs and assisting at the welcome desk.
- Broadcast Services: The broadcast support team ensures smooth event coverage worldwide.
- Competition Management: Match operations volunteers support match-day activities by providing friendly assistance at the stadium.
- Fan Operations: This involves guiding and supporting fans at the stadium.
- Language Services: Volunteers who speak multiple languages can provide interpretation for press conferences and podium sessions.
- Media Operations: Media volunteers support journalists and assist in press conferences.
When completing your FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer application, you’ll be asked about your skills and previous experience. This will help FIFA assign you the most suitable role.
You can express your preference for what you would like to do, but placement is not guaranteed, as role assignment is also based on operational needs.
What perks do World Cup volunteers receive?
FIFA has been running its volunteering program for many years and has already grown to a community of 1 million volunteers. By volunteering at the World Cup in 2026, you’ll join this community and help to create that electric FIFA atmosphere across their tournaments and events.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to be part of the most-watched sporting event in the world. Plus, with the 2026 World Cup spanning three countries for the first time, you’ll be part of making history.
All World Cup volunteer roles are unpaid roles. However, according to FIFA, volunteers will receive several perks, including:
- An official FIFA World Cup volunteer uniform
- Meals and refreshments during shifts
- Skills-based learning opportunities: Training and experience in large-scale event management, teamwork, and diversity
- A certificate of participation: To help boost your job applications and make your CV stand out
It’s important to note that travel and accommodation expenses are NOT included, and FIFA does not offer any assistance with obtaining visas.
Lastly, if you’re wondering how to see the World Cup as a volunteer, FIFA has stated that free or discountedmatch tickets are NOT guaranteed for volunteers.
Key dates and timeline for 2026 volunteers
The FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer application process opened in August 2025, with volunteer tryouts taking place between October 2025 and January 2026.
Successful volunteers will be offered a role by April 2026. They will then complete the mandatory training shortly after, so that they’re ready to start volunteering at the beginning of the tournament in June.
Note that FIFA may update these dates. If you’ve applied, look out for official communications to your email.
FAQs about the 2026 FIFA World Cup volunteer program
- Who can apply?
Anyone who is passionate about sports and wants to bring team spirit and a friendly and proactive attitude to the world’s biggest football tournament!
- Is there an age requirement?
Yes, you must be aged 18 or over. There is no upper age limit.
- Do volunteers need to speak English?
Yes, you must have a good command of English. Speaking additional languages, such as Spanish or French, is a bonus.
- Can I choose my city or stadium?
Yes, you will be required to indicate your preferred host city when applying. You can only apply for one host city.
- Will I be able to watch matches?
The majority of volunteer roles will be performed away from the pitch, so in most cases, it will not be possible to watch the action while volunteering.
- Do I need to cover my own travel and accommodation?
Yes. FIFA does not organize or reimburse volunteers’ travel and accommodation expenses.
- How will volunteers be contacted?
If your application is successful, FIFA will email you to invite you to attend the in-person Volunteer Team Tryouts in your chosen Host City.
Stay connected while volunteering at the 2026 World Cup
If you’re heading to the USA, Canada, or Mexico to volunteer at the 2026 World Cup, a reliable internet connection is essential.
From checking shift schedules and navigating host cities to staying in touch with your friends and family back home, you’ll be relying on your phone every day.
With a Holafly eSIM, you’ll get instant, unlimited data as soon as you arrive. No worrying about roaming fees and no searching for a local SIM shop after a long flight!
Explore the Holafy eSIM shop here!
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
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