How to Volunteer at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Volunteering at the FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offering you not just behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s greatest sporting events, but also unparalleled cultural immersion, global networking, and personal growth. Whether you’re in North America or beyond, here’s your deep-dive guide on how to become a World Cup volunteer in 2026.

Why Volunteer? The FIFA World Cup Volunteer Experience

FIFA has opened the biggest volunteer recruitment ever, about 65,000 volunteers across Mexico, the United States, and Canada are needed for the 2026 World Cup. These volunteers form the heartbeat of the event, providing essential support and welcoming millions of fans to the tournament.

In the U.S. alone, cities like Houston, Kansas City, and Dallas are gearing up for thousands of volunteers. For example, Houston alone seeks 5,200 volunteers for stadium roles, fan festivals, and airport support.  Nearly 10,000 applications were received in just days, highlighting how coveted this experience is.

Volunteer Roles: What to Expect

FIFA offers a wide range of roles across 23 functional areas, such as operations, media, hospitality, accreditation, security, and sustainability. Local host cities will tailor volunteer opportunities based on their needs and infrastructure.

Volunteer benefits include:

• Official uniform

• Meals during shifts

• Certificate and exclusive mementos

• Access to volunteer-exclusive social events

• Skill-building experiences in operational or customer-facing roles

Eligibility & Application Timeline

Who Can Apply:

• Minimum age: 18 years old

• Language: Proficient in English; Spanish (Mexico) and French (Canada) are assets.

• Legal eligibility: Must meet immigration norms for your host country

Important Dates:

Volunteers are expected to commit to 8–9 shifts (lasting 6–8 hours each) throughout the World Cup.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

1. Sign Up on Volunteer Portal
   Visit http://fifaworldcup.com/volunteers and send your application.

2. Create your Volunteer Profile
   Provide your personal info, language skills, role preferences, and host city choice.

3. Submit & Wait
   Applicants are selected based on availability, language skills, and role fit.

4. Interviews & Clearance
   Shortlisted candidates undergo baseline background checks and possibly interviews.  

5. Accept Role & Train
   Once assigned, you’ll undergo general and role-specific training before accreditation.

6. Volunteer!
   You’ll be on site during the event, working alongside fans and teams to bring the tournament to life.

City Spotlights: Houston and Kansas City

Houston, Texas

Plans to recruit 5,200 volunteers for match venues and fan zones. A huge surge in applicants—almost 10,000 within days—shows how coveted these roles are.

Kansas City

Here, organizers aim to form a volunteer force of around 6,000 for the World Cup fans, including intense community planning ahead of the event.

What You Stand to Gain (Even Without Pay)

Though unpaid, the experience yields immense intangible benefits:

• Access to global fan events and behind-the-scenes action

• Real-world experience in logistics, hospitality, and operations

• Networking across cultures and professions

• A certificate and memento for your resume and social media

• A powerful story for personal growth and future job interviews

Finally

Volunteering at the FIFA World Cup 2026 isn’t just about handing out wristbands; it’s about representing your culture, developing career skills, and creating lifelong memories at the world’s largest soccer tournament.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of global history, sign up early, prepare thoroughly, and seize this remarkable opportunity.