May 7, 2026, 11:04 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is growing—not just among the national team but also among numerous German fans. Those who want to support the team on-site may have already planned their trip. But could entering the U.S., where most of the games will take place, pose problems? And once entry is secured, are tourists from Europe even welcome? New expert reports provide reassurance and explain what tourists can expect.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11—a tournament of superlatives: For the first time, it will be played in three countries, but the focus is clearly on the U.S. With 78 of the total 104 matches, the majority of games will take place there, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches. For fans, this means an intensive journey through North America—capped by the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York.
Visa-Free Entry for German Fans with ESTA
For most German fans, there’s good news: Despite strict entry regulations, they do not need a traditional visa. For tourist stays, the so-called Electronic System for Travel Authorization—or ESTA—is sufficient.
The ESTA application is submitted via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or through the official app available for Android and iOS. Personal data must be provided, along with questions about travel, health, and any criminal records. A current facial photo is also required.
This travel authorization costs 40 U.S. dollars (about 34.50 euros) and is generally valid for two years. A valid passport is required—even for children.
Approval Is Quick
Once everything is filled out and submitted, according to the visa service Bonn, approval usually takes only a few hours. Notification is then sent via email.
Warning: If the ESTA is denied, a visa must be applied for to enter the U.S. Depending on the consulate and available appointments, this process takes about six weeks, according to experts. Those who want to be able to respond to a possible denial should apply for the ESTA well in advance.
Also of interest: “These 14 Questions I Had to Answer When Entering the U.S.”
Possible Reasons for Denial
In some cases, the ESTA application can be denied or cause issues. This affects individuals with a gender entry of “X,” as there is no corresponding option on the application—the entry assigned at birth is decisive according to the German Foreign Office, and appropriate documentation should be carried.
Common reasons for denial also include previous travels or nationalities: Anyone who has been in Cuba since January 12, 2021, or has ties to countries like Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, or Sudan needs a visa. Stays in places like Libya, Yemen, or Somalia since March 2011 can also be problematic.
Critical pitfalls also lie within the application itself: Errors in automatically-read passport data are not uncommon, while social media information is voluntary. Security questions are particularly crucial—answering “Yes” to any results in no ESTA. False information can have serious consequences, from denial to sanctions upon entry.
Border Officers Decide–Despite ESTA
An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry. The final decision is made by U.S. border officers upon arrival. According to Timo Kohlenberg, CEO of the tour operator America Unlimited, those who have filled out the application correctly need not worry. Even if the officers’ demeanor sometimes seems strict—which, according to the expert, has been the case since before the Trump presidency—problems are rare.
“These 14 Questions Were Asked by the Border Officer During My Entry into the U.S.”
ESTA Travel Authorization for the U.S. Becomes More Expensive
Are Tourists Even Welcome?
Concerns about not being welcome in the U.S. are not confirmed by industry insiders. “On-site, you hardly notice it. People are open and warm—many are quite critical of the political situation themselves,” reports Kohlenberg, who was in the U.S. several times last year.
Many travelers are even surprised at how smoothly their stays go. Kohlenberg speaks of a “distorted image” between perceptions in Germany and actual experiences in the country.
Tourist Influx Remains Absent
It’s supposed to be a big year for North America: Besides the World Cup, the United States is celebrating 250 years of independence, and Route 66 is marking its 100th anniversary. Yet, the expected tourist rush has not materialized.
One reason lies in the political developments of recent months. Measures such as ICE raids, entry restrictions for certain nationalities, and tightened controls have unsettled many travelers. The result: declining visitor numbers.
Also of interest: “I Spent Four Weeks Vacationing in Trump’s America–Here’s How It Was”
Declining Demand Brings Lower Prices
For vacationers, however, this development also has advantages. “Prices have dropped significantly—for airlines, hotels, and especially rental cars,” says Timo Kohlenberg, CEO of the tour operator America Unlimited. Additionally, the currently favorable dollar exchange rate has a positive effect. His conclusion: “Now is actually the best time to travel to the U.S.”
Nevertheless, it remains clear: Around the games in metropolises like New York, Miami, or Los Angeles, travelers must still expect high costs–including for dining and transportation.