The countdown is on, less than a year until Canada and its co-hosts Mexico and the USA welcome the world for the biggest FIFA World Cup™ ever. And today, Canadians (and football fans across the three nations) get the chance to be part of this historic moment by applying to become official volunteers.
FIFA just opened applications for the FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteer programme, calling on about 65,000 passionate volunteers to bring this massive event to life. It’s not just about the players on the pitch, it’s the volunteers who truly shape the experience for millions of fans, from welcoming visitors at airports to supporting operations at stadiums and fan zones.
This volunteer programme will be the largest in FIFA’s history, reflecting the scale of the tournament, with 48 teams, 16 host cities, and six weeks of thrilling football action across North America. Volunteers will represent the heart and soul of FIFA events, sharing local pride and culture with fans from all over the globe.
Canada’s no stranger to FIFA tournaments, having hosted six major events before, including the 2015 Women’s World Cup and even the Olympic football tournament back in 1976. But the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ will mark the first time the Men’s World Cup is played on Canadian soil, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for locals to get involved.
Interested? You don’t need any prior experience, just a passion for football, a friendly smile, and a willingness to help create unforgettable memories. Volunteers must be 18+ and eligible to work in their host country, with English required (plus French in Canada and Spanish in Mexico as a bonus).
Applications are now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of history:
Apply to Volunteer for FIFA World Cup 26™
If selected, volunteers will attend team tryouts starting in October 2025, with training kicking off in March 2026 ahead of the tournament launch on June 11 in Mexico City.
To get a glimpse of what volunteering looks like, check out this inspiring story of Chelsey Roy, who volunteered during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup right here in Canada, proof that being a volunteer is about community, passion, and unforgettable experiences.
So, if you want to showcase your hometown and help welcome the world to Canada, apply today and join the heartbeat of FIFA World Cup 26™!