The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the most complex operating environment North America has ever seen for business aviation. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities in three countries, operators who have not started planning should act now. Slot programs, permit queues, and service capacity are already tightening.

Here is what you need to know to ensure your missions succeed during this unprecedented event.

The Scale of the Challenge

This is not just another major sporting event. The 2026 World Cup will draw more than six million visitors to North America, creating traffic volumes that rival the Olympics. For business aviation, this means:

• Severe airport congestion at 16 host cities
• Complex multinational regulatory requirements
• Potential slot restrictions at major airports
• Limited ground services and parking availability

The tournament kicks off June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and concludes July 19, 2026, in the New York and New Jersey area, two of the most operationally demanding airspace regions in the world.

Critical Planning Timeline

Mid-December 2025 through January 2026

• Begin or finalize Mexico landing permit applications (AFAC)
• Pre-book parking and handling at preferred U.S. and Canadian gateways
• Secure hotel accommodations for crew and passengers near host airports before blocks sell out
• Coordinate early with ground handlers, catering providers, and security vendors to lock in resources

Early 2026

• Airport slot programs, parking restrictions, and temporary operating procedures are expected to be published by January and February
• Review and confirm permit approvals, customs arrangements, and ground support
• Begin contingency planning for alternate airports in Mexico City, Los Angeles, and the New York/New Jersey area

March through May 2026

• Complete all final confirmations and logistical coordination
• Expect limited access to preferred airports and ground handling slots for operators who plan late

Mexican Host Cities and Key Matches

Mexico City – Estadio Azteca

• June 11 – Mexico vs. South Africa
• June 17 – Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
• June 24 – Playoff D Winner vs. Mexico
• June 30 – Round of 32
• July 5 – Round of 16

Guadalajara – Estadio Akron

• June 11–26 – South Korea, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Uruguay

Monterrey – Estadio BBVA

• June 14–24 – Tunisia, Japan, South Korea, South Africa
• June 29 – Round of 32

Primary Mexican Airports

• MMMX (Mexico City): Extremely limited GA access, mostly restricted to charter and state flights
• MMTO (Toluca): 24/7 AOE, primary GA gateway to Mexico City
• MMGL (Guadalajara): Full GA facilities and parking
• MMMY (Monterrey): Main GA field
• MMAN (Del Norte): Not recommended as an alternate due to military restrictions that can complicate client handling
• MMIO (Saltillo): About one hour from Monterrey and the best alternate option for GA

Considerations

• Permits: Mexico’s AFAC requires detailed applications, especially for non-scheduled GA flights
• Slots: Mexico may prioritize World Cup sponsors if slot programs are implemented; confirmation is still pending
• Congestion: Mexico City’s airspace is already highly saturated under normal conditions
• Security: Expect elevated screening and ground restrictions around match venues

Universal Aviation Mexico is fully operational at all three Mexican host cities, with a new FBO and VIP terminal opening in Guadalajara ahead of the tournament.

United States: Regulatory Complexity Across 11 Cities

As the primary host nation, the United States will see the most overall traffic. Regulatory burdens, TSA oversight, and slot-controlled airports will present challenges throughout the country.

Key Considerations

• CBP and eAPIS: All GA flights must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and eAPIS requirements
• Immigration Policy: Monitor developments around travel bans or visa restrictions, which could impact certain nationalities during the event period
• Slot Restrictions: Likely at JFK, EWR, LAX, ATL, MIA, and other airports, especially during match days
• Security: TSA and local law enforcement may increase ramp presence, screening, and credential checks near stadium areas

U.S. and FIFA Introduce Fast-Track Visa System for World Cup 2026

The U.S. government and FIFA have launched FIFA PASS, a priority visa-appointment system for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket-holders traveling to U.S. host cities. For business aviation operators, this may help streamline entry for passengers who need U.S. visas, reducing lead times during a period of expected heavy demand across 16 host airports. While it does not replace standard visa requirements, the program provides faster scheduling and may ease congestion for international charter and private flights supporting World Cup travel.

U.S. Host Cities and Match Highlights

Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• June 15–27: Spain, Cape Verde, Morocco, Haiti, South Africa, Uzbekistan
• Knockouts: July 1, 7, 15

Boston (Foxboro) – Gillette Stadium

• June 13–26: Haiti, Scotland, Norway, England, France, Ghana, Morocco
• Knockouts: June 29 (Round of 32), July 9 (Quarterfinal)
• Airports: KBED preferred, KBOS secondary, KPVD alternate

Dallas – AT&T Stadium

• June 14–27: Netherlands, Japan, England, Argentina, Croatia, Austria, Jordan
• Knockouts: June 30–July 14 including a semifinal

Houston – NRG Stadium

• June 14–26: Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
• Knockouts: June 29 and July 4

Kansas City – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

• June 16–27: Argentina, Algeria, Ecuador, Netherlands
• Knockouts: July 3 (Round of 32), July 11 (Quarterfinal)

Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium

• June 12–25: USA, Paraguay, Iran, Belgium, Switzerland
• Knockouts: June 28, July 2, July 10

Miami – Hard Rock Stadium

• June 15–27: Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Scotland, Brazil, Portugal, Colombia
• Knockouts: July 3, July 11
• Third-Place Match: July 18

New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium (Final Venue)

• June 13–27: Brazil, France, Senegal, Norway, England, Germany
• Knockouts: June 30, July 5
• Final: July 19
• Airports: KTEB, EWR, and JFK primary; KMMU and KHPN recommended alternates

Final Match Notes

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will host the final on July 19. Expect extreme slot and parking pressure at nearby airports. Secondary positioning at Morristown (KMMU) or White Plains (KHPN) is strongly advised.

Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field

• June 14–27: Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Brazil, Croatia, France, Ghana
• Knockout: July 4

San Francisco – Levi’s Stadium

• June 13–25: Qatar, Switzerland, Austria, Paraguay, Australia
• Knockout: July 1

Seattle – Lumen Field

• June 15–26: Belgium, Egypt, USA, Australia, Iran
• Knockouts: July 1, July 6

Canada: Transatlantic Gateway Advantage

Toronto, Canada –  Aerial view of BMO Field in Toronto.

Canada may host fewer matches, but its location and infrastructure make it strategically valuable — particularly for transatlantic arrivals, diversions, or operators avoiding U.S. congestion.

Host Cities:

• Toronto

• Vancouver

Considerations:

• CANPASS: Required for most GA clearances

• Weather: Summer flying in coastal cities like Vancouver can bring fog or sudden weather disruptions

• Airspace Routing: Canadian FIRs may be key for efficient routings into U.S. destinations

Universal teams are working with CBSA and Canadian airports to support CANPASS coordination and advance customs planning.

Recommendations for Operators

• Start Now: Secure permits, ground services, and accommodations early, particularly in Mexico where permit lead times and limited GA capacity can create delays
• Watch for Slot Procedures: December 2025 and early 2026 are critical months for finalizing operational details and slot releases
• Build Flexibility: Have alternate airports ready for key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City in case of last-minute restrictions or parking limits
• Track Country-Specific Rules: Regulatory differences across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will affect customs, overflight, and security procedures
• Secure On-Site Support: For high-demand locations, consider reserving a dedicated Universal Aviation agent to assist with local coordination, customs, and day-of-arrival logistics.

Bottom Line

The 2026 World Cup will be one of the most operationally demanding events business aviation has ever faced. Operators who plan early, stay informed, and build flexibility into their mission planning will be positioned for success. Those who wait may find themselves without options.

Universal is already working with operators across North America to prepare for high-traffic days, permit requirements, and airport restrictions.