Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
2026 FIFA World Cup Guide Photo: ArtNat/Shutterstock The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than a global sporting spectacle — it’s a month-long celebration of culture, food, and community, unfolding across 16 cities across the United States, Me...


2026 FIFA World Cup Guide
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than a global sporting spectacle — it’s a month-long celebration of culture, food, and community, unfolding across 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning your trip to any of the host cities, complete with in-depth city guides, curated hotel recommendations, and the top picks for the best sports and soccer bars in every city, along with practical travel advice for fans eager to experience the tournament’s energy both in and out of the stadiums.
Why is the 2026 FIFA World Cup special?
For the first time in history, the World Cup will span three countries, uniting all of North America in a festival of football (a.k.a. fútbol) from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament will be the largest in FIFA history, with 48 national teams competing, compared to the usual 32. That means there will be 104 separate matches — as opposed to 64 normally — creating more opportunities than ever to witness sports history in the making (and allow more people to see games in person). The new format introduces a group stage with 12 groups of four teams each, followed by an expanded knockout round, ensuring that every city selected hosts multiple games that matter.
The first games will be held in Mexico City, with the final at MetLife Stadium just outside New York City. While not all teams have been announced as of publication, the schedule of games is available on the official FIFA World Cup website. Tickets for each venue are expected to open in the coming months.
Here’s your city-by-city guide to everything you need to know if you’re traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The must-try signature food in every 2026 host city
From New York-style pizza to a classic Torta ahogada
The must-try signature food in every 2026 host city
Get the scoop on the most iconic dish of every city hosting the 2026 World Cup matches, plus recommendations for the best place to try everything from BBQ to tacos to sashimi and pea meal sandwiches.
The complete guide to the US Soccer Hall of Fame
The biggest collections of soccer memorabilia in North America
The complete guide to the US Soccer Hall of Fame
Frisco, Texas, may not get the tourist attention of other destinations in Texas, but at just 30 minutes from Dallas, it’s bound to be busy during the World Cup — because it’s home to the US National Soccer Hall of Fame. Here’s what to know.
The 5 coolest stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup Matches
Unsure where to travel for the matches? These five stadiums could sway your choice.
The 5 coolest stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup Matches
Every four years, the FIFA World Cup draws global attention to its host city and country. Each city is bound to get lots of airtime, but the one building in each city that will get covered the most will surely be its stadium, with each hosting anywhere from five to eight matches.
The best soccer-themed Airbnbs for a World Cup watch party
The best soccer-themed Airbnbs for a World Cup watch party
We're confident these Airbnbs are going to get snapped up quickly, so we recommend making your travel plans soon.
Get ahead of the game by snapping up a summer vacation rental and hosting a watch party in the comfort of “home.” You and your fellow footie nuts will love these top-rated Airbnbs with home movie theaters for a World Cup watch party.