The sharpest difference comes from the route supporters must use.
An electronic travel authorisation is completed online and is generally quicker. Visitor visa applications can require additional evidence, including proof of funds and travel plans. That distinction means access to the same tournament can depend heavily on nationality and travel status, rather than demand for tickets alone.
The report says Ghana generated the highest number of applications among supporters seeking to attend matches in Canada, with at least 1,725 visitor visa requests processed. Just under 11% were approved.
Colombia had 1,630 applications processed, with a 69% approval rate, despite not having a group-stage match in Canada. The contrast underlines how the entry system, not simply a team’s Canadian schedule, is driving the figures.
Several eTA-eligible countries, including Australia, Germany, Croatia and New Zealand, recorded full approval rates in the period covered. Some countries requiring visitor visas recorded no approvals, although the figures are subject to privacy exclusions and incomplete processing.
Canada is reportedly preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of tournament visitors, including supporters, players, staff, media and sponsors. The immediate challenge is turning that ambition into a process fans can navigate in time.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the key storyline will be whether Canada can clear outstanding applications while maintaining its security checks. For supporters, nationality-specific requirements and early applications could prove as important as securing a match ticket.