Need to attend World Cup video games at no cost? FIFA wants 65K volunteers

The pay is nonexistent, however the perk may very well be viewing video games within the U.S., Mexico and Canada at no cost throughout the FIFA World Cup subsequent summer time.

FIFA launched the applying course of for the World Cup volunteers Monday. How many are wanted? A staggering 65,000 throughout the 16 cities that may host the expanded 48-team format over 39 days starting June 11, the most important volunteer program FIFA has ever tried.

“Volunteers are the heart, soul and smile of FIFA tournaments,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino mentioned. “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.”

In addition to stadiums, volunteers will present help throughout at coaching websites, airports and accommodations.

FIFA estimates 6.5 million followers will attend the World Cup, with 3.7 million attending video games within the U.S., 1.5 million in Mexico and 1.3 million in Canada. The 2022 last with Lionel Messi main Argentina previous Kylian Mbappé and France, drew a document 1.42 billion viewers, together with 26 million within the U.S.

“The Super Bowl, which is fantastic, has what, 120-130 million viewers? The World Cup has 6 billion,” Infantino advised Fox Sports in April. “A World Cup is 104 Super Bowls in one month.”

Volunteers prior to now ranged from college students to seniors. No expertise is required however candidates should be at the least 18 years outdated. Interested people can apply at fifaworldcup.com/volunteers.

Those whose purposes are accepted can be invited to attend the Volunteer Team Tryouts, that are anticipated to start in October. Training will happen in March 2026.

‘Volunteers are the heartbeat of FIFA events and champions of their host city — sharing their pride and passion with fans from all corners of the globe, welcoming visitors to experience the unique culture of their host city and supporting the extraordinary event that is a FIFA World Cup,” FIFA said in a statement.

Los Angeles is one of 11 U.S. host cities, with eight games scheduled at SoFi Stadium, including the U.S. team’s opener June 12. After taking part in its second match in Seattle on June 19, the U.S. will conclude group play at SoFi on June 25.

Included within the video games to be performed in Inglewood are two round-of-32 video games and a quarterfinal. Only one venue — AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — was awarded extra video games with 9.

“We’re happy with with how it turned out,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter mentioned. “We look forward to being in L.A. [and] probably one of the best stadiums in the world and to get to play there twice in the group stage.”

Other U.S. hosts cities embrace Seattle, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami and the San Francisco Bay space. Games in Mexico and Canada can be held in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Toronto and Vancouver.

“FIFA changed my life,” longtime volunteer Craig Collins mentioned on a video. “Why do I want to volunteer again? I can give back to an organization that has provided for me without knowing it.

Collins became the one-millionth person to join the FIFA volunteer community in April 2025.

“I’m excited to apply for the 2026 volunteer program and hope to show off my community to the world once more.”