Have you ever wondered do World Cup volunteers get paid? Straight away: no—they do not receive a salary for volunteering at the FIFA World Cup. But that doesn’t mean there are no rewards. SantaKick will walk you through what you do get, what expenses you cover yourself, and why so many still sign up with pride.
What FIFA Says: Unpaid But Perks Included
FIFA’s official volunteer program for the 2026 World Cup (USA / Canada / Mexico) clearly states that volunteering is unpaid.
Here’s what volunteers are offered:
- Uniforms and accreditation (official volunteer gear) rldcuppro.com)
- Meals/refreshments during shifts
- Certificate of participation or recognition items after the event
- Possibly some local transport or perks within host cities during work shifts
What Volunteers Must Cover
Because volunteering is unpaid, there are costs and commitments that fall on the volunteer. SantaKick wants you to know all the real details:
- Travel (getting to / from the host city) is typically on you.
- Accommodation (staying in or near the host city) unless explicitly covered in very rare or local cases. For 2026, volunteers must arrange their lodging.
- Other non-shift expenses usually are not reimbursed.
Roles, Requirements, And Expectations
To understand what you’re signing up for, here’s a breakdown of what the volunteer program expects from you—and what you’ll experience.
Who Can Apply
- Must be 18 years or older by the time of the tournament.
- Need to be eligible to volunteer in one of the host countries (USA, Canada, Mexico), including satisfying any visa or legal requirements.
- Proficiency in English is essential; additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.) are a plus.
What You’ll Do & Time Commitment
- Volunteers will be placed in many roles: hospitality, fan engagement, venue operations, transport, media support, etc.
- Must commit to a minimum number of shifts (for example, eight or more) during the tournament window. Shifts tend to be several hours long each.
- Before the tournament: background checks, training sessions, sometimes tryouts/team meetings.
Why Do It If There’s No Pay?
It might seem odd to work without a wage, especially when the World Cup is such a massive, profitable event. But many volunteers find strong, personal reasons to join. Here are some of the biggest draws:
- The chance to be behind the scenes of a global sporting phenomenon.
- Building experience in event management, customer service, languages, logistics. Great for resumes.
- Meeting people from across nations—fans, other volunteers, staff. Huge networking potential.
- Earning official recognition (certificates, credentials) and permanent memories/unforgettable moments.
- Access to volunteer-only perks: uniforms, shift-based benefits, perhaps local transport during shifts, special events.
What Changes (Or Might Change) In Different World Cups
SantaKick believes it’s worth noting that while the 2026 World Cup rules are clear, past tournaments and future ones could differ. Things that might vary:
- Different host countries may have laws or regulations that require compensation or stipends for volunteers, especially if certain roles resemble paid work.
- Local organizers sometimes offer small allowances (for travel or lodging) or subsidized transport.
- The scale of volunteering (number of volunteers, complexity of roles, duration) influences how much the program can support volunteers.
For 2026, however, the plan is pretty standardized across the three host countries.
Cost vs Reward: What To Budget Before Applying
If you’re thinking of volunteering, here are financial and logistical things to plan ahead:
- Budget for travel to/from the host city.
- Accommodation costs during the days you’ll be volunteering (and possibly days before/after for training).
- Any visa / entry fees, insurance, etc.
- Daily expenses outside meals provided during shifts.
- Time cost: shifts, training, possible weekend / odd hours.
Then contrast that with what you’ll gain:
- Free uniform / accreditation
- Meals during shifts
- Official certificate afterward
- The memories / exposure / experience
Conclusion
So, do World Cup volunteers get paid? No — there’s no paycheck. But SantaKick believes the rewards are real: experience, memories, certificates, and the chance to be part of history.
If this sounds like something you want, here’s what to do next:
- Check the official FIFA Volunteer Community page and apply early.
- Estimate your own costs (travel, lodging) so you don’t get hit by surprises.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements (age, legal status, language).
- Prepare to commit time (shifts, training).
If you’d like, SantaKick can also pull together a checklist or budget template for volunteering at the 2026 World Cup so you know exactly what to expect. Want me to send that?
