FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup volunteer application period is now active and will need more than 65,000 volunteers to support what will become FIFA’s biggest volunteer program in history.
The upcoming tournament marks a historical milestone because it will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico while showcasing 104 matches across 16 host cities.
According to Infantino on Instagram, FIFA tournaments exist because volunteers represent their core values. Through this historic event, volunteers can experience tournament operations firsthand while developing lifelong friendships and local pride as they support this historic event.
Who Can Apply?
FIFA requires applicants to fulfill the following essential requirements to become part of the program.
- To apply, candidates must reach the age of 18 before the application deadline.
- The applicant needs to fulfill their commitment of eight shifts that span from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
- The host country visa and entry requirements must be fulfilled by all applicants.
- The ability to speak English serves as a minimum requirement, but knowledge of additional languages will be beneficial.
- The volunteer candidate needs to participate in Volunteer Team Tryouts while finishing official training sessions.
- The selection process includes passing a screening evaluation, with possible requirements being different for Mexico.
Application Process & Timeline
The four stages of the volunteer process outline the entire application process.
Stage 1
The application process for the program begins now through September 2025 while candidates submit their applications through the online system.
Stage 2
Volunteer Team Tryouts will take place between October 2025 and January 2026 when selected applicants can meet their fellow volunteers and volunteer management team members while learning about tournament operations.
Stage 3
The selected volunteers who receive their official role assignments will confirm their participation between December 2025 and March 2026.
Stage 4
The volunteer training process includes mandatory sessions between March and June 2026, when volunteers will obtain their FIFA World Cup 26 equipment.
Volunteer Perks
FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteer Program Volunteers who participate in the tournament will receive official FIFA World Cup 2026 uniforms together with free meals and refreshments during their shifts and exclusive recognition items and rewards as well as a FIFA-issued volunteer certificate.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin in June 2026 and end in July 2026, marking the most extensive tournament in its history through team participation, match number and volunteer participation.
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