FIFA Launches Historic Volunteer Programme for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has officially opened applications for its 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Volunteer Programme, marking what is expected to be the largest volunteer initiative in the organisation’s history. The announcement, shared by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on his social media channels, highlights the scale and ambition of the event, which will be the first men’s World Cup to be hosted across three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2026 edition of the tournament will feature 104 matches played in 16 host cities throughout North America, making it the biggest World Cup in terms of matches and geographical scope.

Volunteer Programme Overview

FIFA is seeking around 65,000 volunteers to support operations during the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The volunteer effort will span stadiums, training sites, fan zones, airports, hotels and other key venues that help bring the tournament to life.

FIFA has described volunteers as “the heart and soul” of its events, offering a unique opportunity for people from all backgrounds to take part in one of the world’s most celebrated sporting spectacles.

Application & Timeline

The application process is conducted online through FIFA’s official volunteer portal. Key phases include:

Application Window: Open now (generally between August–September 2025)

Volunteer Team Tryouts: October 2025 – January 2026
Role Offers & Background Checks: December 2025 – March 2026
Training & Final Preparation: March – June 2026
Tournament Service: June 11 – July 19, 2026

Candidates are expected to select one host city where they wish to serve and complete all stages of the application and assessment process before receiving a confirmed role.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be 18 years or older at the time of application
Be legally eligible to volunteer in the country where they choose to serve
Commit to at least eight shifts during the tournament
Have a good command of English (with additional languages seen as an asset — Spanish in Mexico, French in Canada)
Be available to attend Volunteer Team Tryouts and subsequent training
Pass any required background checks (requirements may vary, particularly in Mexico)

No prior volunteer experience is required, and people from diverse walks of life — from students and professionals to retirees — are encouraged to apply.

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers will serve in a wide range of areas, including:

Guest services and fan engagement
Accreditation and access support
Hospitality and event logistics
Transportation and venue coordination
Media and technology support
Language and cultural assistance

This diversity of roles means that volunteers with different skills and interests can find roles that suit them, from helping greet fans to supporting media operations behind the scenes.

Benefits & Experience

While volunteer positions are unpaid, participants will receive several valuable non-monetary benefits, such as:

Official FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteer uniform
Free meals and refreshments during shifts
Certificates of participation
Exclusive merchandise and volunteer recognition items
Networking and cultural exchange opportunities

For many volunteers, the experience offers unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to a global sporting event, opportunities to meet people from around the world, and lasting personal and professional memories.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

With more than 65,000 volunteers expected to be selected, FIFA’s 2026 World Cup volunteer initiative represents the largest volunteer programme in the organisation’s history — a reflection of the unprecedented scale of this tournament being staged across three nations and hundreds of venues.

Aspiring volunteers should visit the official FIFA Volunteer portal and submit their applications early to be considered for this unique role in football history.