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The FIFA World Cup starts in just two days - and if you're preparing to travel to the US, Canada, and Mexico for the games, you'll want the best World Cup eSIM deals covering all three host countries.
I'm expecting plenty more providers to offer deals for international football fans flying to the US and beyond. The final whistle blows on this year's tournament in New York on July 19, and I'll be here throughout highlighting the all the World Cup eSIM deals I can find (well, when I'm not watching the matches anyway).
We've tested all the best eSIMs for international travel, and they're a great way to stay in touch your friends, family, and other fans while traveling without worrying about unpredictable data and roaming charges, or having to switch between physical SIM cards. And if you're not traveling to the US, Canada, or Mexico to support your team, you can check out the full fixtures list and where to stream the games with our World Cup 2026 Match Finder.
Best World Cup 2026 eSIM deals
World Cup 2026 eSIM deals: FAQs
When does this year's World Cup start and end?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, with Mexico, one of the host nations, playing against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The final, held in New York, takes place on July 19.
Can I purchase a World Cup eSIM deal now and activate it later when I travel?
Yes, almost all eSIM providers let you set an activation date, so you can set-up the eSIM at home, and it'll kick in once you land at your destination.
Typically, after purchase, your provider lets you know the activation window - it varies depending on which eSIM service you're using, though.
Are the World Cup eSIM deals available for all countries/regions?
Yes, all eSIM providers offer coverage across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, alongside global plans for frequent travelers.
How can I check if my phone supports eSIM technology?
We've explored how to check if your phone supports eSIM.
On iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings >General>About
- Look for “Digital SIM” or “eSIM”
- If you see “Digital SIM”, “eSIM”, or an EID number, your device supports eSIM
- Then check if your phone is unlocked
- Go to Settings>General>About>Carrier Lock
- If it says "no SIM restrictions", your iPhone is unlocked and ready for an eSIM
For Android devices, the method can vary depending on the phone and operating system, but the general steps are:
- Go to Settings> Connections (or Network & Internet)
- Look for SIM options
- Tap SIM Manager, Mobile Network, or SIM Cards depending on your phone
- Search for “eSIM”, “Add eSIM”, or “Download SIM”
- If you see “Add eSIM”, “Add mobile plan”, or “Download SIM”, your device supports eSIM
- Make sure your device is unlocked
- In Settings>About phone>Status, look for information on carrier lock
How do I set up and activate the eSIM on my device?
Once you’ve purchased an eSIM, you’ll receive an onboarding email with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set it up.
If you buy your eSIM directly through the provider’s app, the activation process is even easier as you’ll be guided through everything on screen.
Typically, you’ll be asked to install the eSIM first. After installation, you can activate it in your phone’s settings. Make sure your device is connected to the internet and has enough battery before you begin. Most eSIMs can only be activated once, so it’s important to follow the steps carefully.
Activation usually takes just a few minutes. Once complete, you’ll see the new plan under your mobile services, and you can rename it if you prefer.
