Record number of volunteers sought for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across three host nations
Dallas, Texas – FIFA has officially launched the application process for the FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteer program, inviting thousands of passionate individuals to help deliver one of the largest sporting events in history. This monumental tournament will unite three nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—over six weeks, welcoming millions of visitors and captivating billions of fans worldwide.
Largest Volunteer Program in FIFA History
With around 65,000 volunteers expected to participate, the FIFA World Cup 26 Volunteer Community will be the largest of its kind for any FIFA event. This record-setting mobilization comes as the 48-team format expands the scope of the tournament across 16 host cities. Volunteers will support operations in 23 functional areas at both official and non-official sites, including stadiums, training grounds, airports, and hotels.
“Volunteers are the heart, soul and smile of FIFA tournaments,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “They get to show off their local pride, gain a behind-the-scenes view of the tournament and make memories and friendships that can last a lifetime, while supporting a historic event. We hope interested individuals will join us as we welcome the world to North America in 2026.”
FIFA emphasizes that volunteers are ambassadors for their host cities, helping fans from across the globe experience the unique culture of each location. They will be the first point of contact for many visitors, ensuring the event runs smoothly while showcasing the spirit of their communities.
A Diverse and Inclusive Volunteer Force
“I’m so proud to be part of this moment—not just for FIFA, but for my city,” said Craig Collins, the one millionth volunteer to join the FIFA Volunteer Community. Having previously volunteered at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™ and the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ in Atlanta, Collins said he is “excited to apply for the 2026 volunteer program and hope to show off my community to the world once more.”
FIFA welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. No prior volunteering experience is necessary, and participants can range from students to retirees. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying, eligible to volunteer in the host country, and have a good command of English. In Mexico, English and Spanish are preferred, while in Canada, French is considered an asset. Knowledge of other languages is also highly valued.
Application Process and Timeline
Interested individuals can apply now by visiting fifaworldcup.com/volunteers. Those selected will be invited to attend Volunteer Team Tryouts starting in October 2025, followed by training in March 2026.
The program is designed not only to support the operational needs of the tournament but also to provide a unique, memorable experience for those involved. Volunteers will gain behind-the-scenes access, meet people from all over the world, and contribute to the successful delivery of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, marking the beginning of a football celebration that will stretch across three countries and make sporting history.
