This summer, the World Cup will unfold in cities across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Destination & Travel Theme
Destination: Multiple cities across United States, Mexico, Canada
Travel Theme: Sports Travel, International Event, Multi-city Road Trip
Recommended Duration: 1-4 weeks (depending on how many matches you attend)
Event Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026
Tournament Basics
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first tournament to span three countries, with 104 matches played over 39 days across 16 host cities:
- United States: 11 host cities (Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle)
- Mexico: 3 host cities (Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey)
- Canada: 2 host cities (Toronto, Vancouver)
The tournament kicks off June 11 in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca and concludes July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) just outside New York City.
Budget Information
- Ticket prices:
- Supporter Entry Tier tickets start at $60 per match
- Many popular matches cost hundreds of dollars
- Resale tickets can reach into the thousands of dollars on secondary markets
- Additional costs: Accommodation prices surge near host cities during match days – book early!
- Travel between cities: With matches spread across thousands of miles, budget for flights or long-distance train tickets
Visa & Entry Requirements
United States
- Most visitors need a passport valid for 6 months after your planned departure date
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries: apply for ESTA approval at least 72 hours before departure
- Citizens not on the exemption list: apply for a tourist visa early – wait times for interviews can be months long
- FIFA PASS: If you have tickets, FIFA offers Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) for priority visa interview slots
Canada
- Similar to the US: check if you need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) based on your citizenship
- Passport must be valid for duration of stay plus 6 months after departure
Mexico
- Simpler entry requirements: your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay
- Check if you need a visa on the Mexican official website
Getting Around Between Host Cities
The 16 host cities are geographically spread out. Here's how to think about regional travel:
Eastern Region
- Boston, Philadelphia, and the New York-New Jersey area are easily connected via Amtrak's Acela train
- Miami and Atlanta are short flights from the northeast corridor
- Toronto is easily reached by short flight or road trip from the northeast US
Central Region
- Dallas anchors this region, with Houston just 4 hours drive south
- Kansas City is a short flight or 9-hour road trip from Dallas
- Getting to Mexican cities from here is easiest by air
Western Region
- Scenic Pacific Coast Highway drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco
- Amtrak's Coast Starlight train offers an equally scenic alternative
- Seattle to Vancouver is easy: 3-hour drive or 3-hour Amtrak Cascades train ride
Ticket Information
- If you missed the initial lottery, many matches are already sold out
- FIFA's official ticket resale platform is the only secure place for secondhand tickets
- Third-party sites like StubHub have tickets but watch out for scams
- Prices have already been climbing – popular matches can cost thousands
- Ticket prices don't guarantee visa entry – make sure you handle visa applications early
Top Host City Highlights
Vancouver, Canada
- Seven matches at BC Place
- When you're not at the game: cycle Stanley Park, kayak Granville Island, climb Grouse Mountain
- Don't miss: English Bay beach on a warm summer day (World Cup coincides with best beach weather)
Kansas City, USA
- Six matches at Arrowhead Stadium
- FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Don't miss: Barbecue (try brisket at Arthur Bryant's), Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Dallas, USA
- Nine matches (more than any other city), including one semi-final at AT&T Stadium
- Don't miss: Bishop Arts District for culture and street art, Slow Bone for barbecue, Modern Art Museum in nearby Fort Worth
Mexico City, Mexico
- Five matches at legendary Estadio Azteca (capacity 87,000)
- When you're not cheering: visit Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, go Xochimilco boat riding, explore historic center
- Book accommodation near the stadium early – game-day traffic will be intense
Boston, USA
- Seven matches at Gillette Stadium
- 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution – lots of special events
- Don't miss: Freedom Trail walking tour, Boston Tea Party museum, Fenway Park for a baseball game if you're there in June
Travel Tips
- Book accommodation early – competition for rooms is fierce and prices will be higher closer to the tournament
- Plan travel between cities well in advance – with 16 cities spread across three countries, good advance planning saves money and stress
- Check visa requirements immediately – wait times for visa interviews can be months long in some countries
- Be flexible with your itinerary – if you want to see multiple matches, consider grouping matches by region to minimize travel time
- Most importantly: get ready for an incredible experience – this will be the biggest World Cup ever, with something for every soccer fan across North America
Original article from Lonely Planet, compiled and structured for Tourants Travel Guides.
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