2026 FIFA World Cup: Canadian squad gears up as Slovak officials issue travel guidance

The Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns citizens travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico to verify entry conditions. Travelers need a valid biometric passport, an ESTA authorization for stays under 90 days in the U.S., or a visa if they do not meet ESTA criteria. Separate immigration rules apply for Canada and Mexico. The ministry also recommends comprehensive travel and health insurance, an international driving permit, and registering with its crisis‑management platform for emergency assistance.

Canada’s national soccer team, known as the Maple Leafs, is preparing for the tournament with a fast‑paced style. In Group C they will face Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland. Key figures include goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (MLS/Orlando), left‑back Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) who continues to struggle with injury, midfielder Ismaël Koné (Sassuolo) and striker Jonathan David (Juventus, on loan at Torino). The squad aims to prove it is no longer a “soccer minnow” and to compete for a place in the knockout stages.