The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming fast, and it will be the biggest one in history. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across three countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With millions of fans expected, FIFA has started looking for 65,000 volunteers to help make the event a success. If you have ever dreamed of being part of the World Cup, this could be your chance.
What are the requirements to be a FIFA volunteer?
The good news is that FIFA is keeping things very open. You do not need previous volunteer experience to apply. According to FIFA, volunteers come from “all backgrounds and abilities; from students to retirees, from beginners to seasoned veterans.”
Here are the basic requirements you need to know:
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of your application.
- You need to pass a background check (the process varies depending on the country).
- You should have a good command of English. In Canada, understanding French is an advantage. In Mexico, both Spanish and English are valued.
- Knowing another language is a bonus.
- You must be willing to commit to at least 8 shifts during the tournament dates, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
So as long as you meet those conditions, you could have the opportunity to join.
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Where will volunteers be needed in the united states?
The United States is hosting games in 11 different cities. Volunteers will be placed in a wide variety of roles, from inside stadiums to airports, hotels, and fan zones.
The U.S. host cities are:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York/New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- San Francisco
Volunteers will be spread out across these locations, supporting teams, fans, and officials.
When should you apply to be a fifa volunteer?
Timing is key, and FIFA has laid out the full schedule for the volunteer program:
- Applications open: Between August and September 2025
- Selection tests: October 2025 to January 2026
- Job offers and placement: December 2025 to March 2026
- Training: March to June 2026
If you are interested, you should plan to submit your application as soon as the window opens in late summer 2025.
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What will volunteers do at the 2026 world cup?
Volunteers will work in 23 functional areas at both official and unofficial locations. That means you might help at:
- Stadiums on matchdays
- Training facilities for teams
- Airports where fans and officials arrive
- Hotels used by FIFA staff or teams
- Fan zones and event spaces
The roles are diverse, and you could be helping with logistics, guiding fans, supporting media operations, or even assisting in hospitality areas.
What benefits do FIFA volunteers receive?
Volunteering for the World Cup is not a paid job, but FIFA makes sure you are supported. Here are the benefits you can expect:
- An official FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteer Kit
- Meals and snacks during your shifts
- An official certificate confirming your volunteer work
- Special recognition and reward items
- A chance to meet people from all over the world and gain new skills
For many people, being part of such a historic event is a reward in itself. As FIFA President Gianni Infantino put it, volunteers are “the heart, soul, and smiles of FIFA tournaments.”
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