Sports Events Worth Traveling For — Pakistani Fan Guide 2026
2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for sports travel. The FIFA World Cup in North America, T20 World Cup in India & Sri Lanka, and Formula 1 races across the globe — Pakistani fans have plenty of reasons to plan trips abroad.
Why 2026 Is a Big Year for Sports Tourism
This year brings together multiple major tournaments that Pakistani fans care about. Cricket and football — the two sports with the largest Pakistani followings — both have flagship events happening in visa-accessible locations.
Major Events in 2026 — Full Calendar
FIFA World Cup 2026
Location: USA, Canada, Mexico
When: June 11 – July 19, 2026
Visa: US B1/B2 visa required for most venues; Canadian & Mexican visas for matches there
Tickets: FIFA.com lottery system — apply early
ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Location: India & Sri Lanka
When: February-March 2026
Visa: Indian e-visa for Pakistanis (check current status); Sri Lanka visa on arrival
Note: Pakistan matches likely in Sri Lanka venues
Asia Cup 2026
Location: Bangladesh (expected)
When: August-September 2026
Visa: Bangladesh visa on arrival for Pakistanis
Format: ODI format expected
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP
Location: Yas Marina, UAE
When: December 2026
Visa: UAE e-visa — easiest F1 race for Pakistanis
Tickets: From $300+ for 3-day pass
Formula 1 Singapore GP
Location: Marina Bay Street Circuit
When: September 2026
Visa: Singapore visa via authorized agents
Special: Night race — spectacular atmosphere
Formula 1 Qatar GP
Location: Lusail International Circuit
When: November 2026
Visa: Qatar visa — improving access post-World Cup
Bonus: Combine with Doha sightseeing
Australian Open 2026
Location: Melbourne, Australia
When: January 2026
Visa: Australian visitor visa (subclass 600)
Tickets: Ground passes from AUD 65
IPL 2026
Location: India (various cities)
When: March-May 2026
Visa: Indian tourist visa (check Pakistan-specific rules)
Note: Pakistani nationals face restrictions — verify before booking
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Detailed Planning
This is the marquee event of 2026. Here's what Pakistani football fans need to know:
Host Cities and Venues
United States (11 cities)
New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Kansas City
Final: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Mexico (3 cities)
Mexico City (Azteca), Guadalajara, Monterrey
Note: Estadio Azteca will host its 3rd World Cup — record
Canada (2 cities)
Toronto, Vancouver
First time: Canada hosting World Cup matches
Visa Strategy for World Cup
💡 Multi-Country Visa Planning
If you're attending multiple matches across host countries, you'll need:
- US visa: B1/B2 tourist visa — apply 6+ months ahead. Most matches are in the US.
- Canada visa: Visitor visa — if attending Toronto or Vancouver matches
- Mexico visa: Tourist visa — or visa-free if you hold valid US visa
Pro tip: Get your US visa first. It makes Mexican entry much easier, and you can apply for Canadian visa with stronger travel history.
Planning a Sports Trip — 2026 Checklist
Sports travel requires earlier planning than regular trips. For 2026 events, start now:
✅ 6+ Months Before Event
- Register for ticket lottery/sales (FIFA World Cup tickets sell via FIFA.com)
- Start US visa application (B1/B2 appointment waits can be 3-6 months)
- Monitor flight prices — set alerts for your dates
- Join Pakistani fan groups organizing group trips
✅ 3-4 Months Before Event
- Book refundable hotels near venues (prices spike closer to event)
- Secure match tickets — include confirmation in visa application
- Apply for additional visas if visiting multiple countries
- Purchase travel insurance covering event dates
✅ 1 Month Before Event
- Confirm all bookings — flights, hotels, tickets
- Download official event apps (FIFA app for World Cup)
- Check local transport options to venues
- Exchange currency or arrange international card
Easiest Sports Destinations for Pakistani Fans in 2026
💡 Pro Tip: Event Tickets Strengthen Visa Applications
Including confirmed match tickets in your visa application demonstrates clear travel purpose and intent to return. For US visa interviews, having World Cup tickets shows you have a specific, time-bound reason to visit.
Visa-Friendly Countries Hosting Events
- UAE: F1 Abu Dhabi, cricket tournaments — e-visa available
- Sri Lanka: T20 World Cup matches — visa on arrival
- Bangladesh: Asia Cup 2026 — visa on arrival for Pakistanis
- Qatar: FIFA Club World Cup, F1 — improving visa access
- Malaysia: Cricket and football — e-visa for Pakistanis
Budget Considerations
Sports travel costs more than regular trips. Here's what to factor in:
| Expense | Regular Trip | Sports Event Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels | Standard rates | 2-5x higher during events |
| Flights | Flexible dates | Fixed dates, premium prices |
| Tickets | N/A | $50-500+ per match |
| Local Transport | Normal | Surge pricing on event days |
The Social Side of Sports Travel
What makes sports tourism different from regular travel is the community aspect. You're surrounded by people who share your passion. The conversations, the pre-match atmosphere, the collective reactions — these create memories that regular sightseeing doesn't match.
The stadium atmosphere is something you can't replicate at home
Many Pakistani sports travelers report that the trip becomes about more than just the match — you meet fans from around the world, share meals, swap stories, and sometimes form lasting connections.
Adding Excitement to Your Sports Trip
Watching a live match is already exciting. But some travelers take the engagement further by following odds and predictions before matches, participating in fantasy leagues with fellow fans, or tracking how betting markets view upcoming games. This kind of analysis adds a layer of involvement beyond just watching.
If you're curious about how sports predictions and betting markets work — and how Pakistani sports fans abroad can engage with them — we've covered that in a separate guide.
Planning Your First Sports Trip
- Start with nearby events: UAE, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka host regular matches with easier visa processes
- Join fan groups: Pakistani supporter groups organize group trips with shared costs
- Book early: Event accommodation sells out months ahead
- Have backup plans: If visa is rejected, ensure tickets and hotels are refundable
Need help with the visa side? Check the visa planning guide for timing multiple applications, or browse e-visa countries for easier destinations.