And FIFA World Cup With the 2026 tournament coming to the US in June, host cities are expecting an influx of international tourists. Cell phone carriers offer ways to help them stay connected during the games.
Three major US carriers recently introduced eSIM plans that can be activated upon activation phones between seven and 45 days for calling, texting and mobile data. Using an eSIM while traveling is often more affordable than the cost of international roaming with a foreigner. wireless service.
If you have family or friends visiting the US for the World Cup (or for any reason), here are three options to explore. Remember that price is important, but so is the capacity of each provider’s network in the areas where it will be located. It’s worth checking out coverage maps for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
And if you’re thinking of flying to a country outside the US, be sure to check out our guide best travel phone plans.
eSIM with AT&T
AT&T’s offer includes unlimited data and 5GB of hotspot access for up to 30 days of installation.
The price of an eSIM with the AT&T plan breaks down as follows:
- 1-Day Pass: $4 (US only)
- 7-Day Pass: $16 (US), $25 (US, Canada, Mexico)
- 15-Day Pass: $26 (US), $40 (US, Canada, Mexico)
- 30-Day Pass: $41 (US), $60 (US, Canada, Mexico)
Taxes and fees are not included in the cost of each pass.
One important detail to note: The AT&T eSIM is a data-only plan, so calling and texting aren’t included, and the subscriber won’t get a new number. Apps like WhatsApp can provide those features. AT&T says the plan will expand to unlimited talk and text soon, but a timeline has not been announced.
Connectivity requires one to download Connect on Demand through the AT&T app (for iOS or Android) on an unlocked 5G smartphone with an international phone number and an open eSIM slot, then purchase and activate the eSIM option within the app.
The company’s Turbo Live by AT&T service, which should improve communication in places like sports stadiums, is available as an add-on.
Mobile Prepaid US Pass eSIM
T-Mobile Prepaid US Pass eSIM options include unlimited talk and text in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as 50GB of high-speed 5G data, then unlimited low-speed data during the pass. They also include 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico. Fast hotspot data rates increase depending on which of the following programs are activated:
- 7-Day Pass: $25 (14GB hotspot data)
- 10-day pass: $30 (20GB hotspot data)
- 14-day pass: $35 (28GB hotspot data)
- 30-Day Pass: $50 (50 GB hotspot data)
Activation takes place in the T-Mobile prepaid eSIM app for iOS or Android. Taxes and fees are added to the cost of each pass.
Virtual eSIM Travel Pass
Visible, the prepaid arm of Verizon, is offering the new Visible eSIM Travel Pass for the World Cup. The plans include unlimited high-speed data using Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, but no hotspot data. When traveling in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, subscribers get unlimited talk and text, as well as 2GB of data each day.
Pre-ordering until June 10 (the day before the start of the tournament) will save $10 on list passes with the code FIFA10:
- 7-Day Pass: Pre-order $15 (regular $25), 90 minutes of international calling
- 14-Day Pass: $25 pre-order ($35 regular), 180 international phone minutes
- 30-Day Pass: $35 pre-order ($45 regular), 300 international phone minutes
- 45-Day Pass: $45 pre-order ($55 regular), 500 international phone minutes
Each pass includes unlimited texting to 200+ countries. Taxes and fees are included in the price of each pass.
To encourage World Cup enthusiasm among existing Visible customers, it is offering two tickets to a World Cup game until May 31 through a sweepstakes.
