The Ultimate 2026 World Cup Host City Travel Guide
Complete Match-Day Experience & Accommodation Guide
🇺🇸 United States • 🇨🇦 Canada • 🇲🇽 Mexico
16 Stadiums • 104 Matches • Unforgettable Experiences
Your 2026 World Cup Journey Starts Here
Planning your 2026 World Cup adventure requires understanding the tournament format and qualification rules across all three host nations. This comprehensive guide covers all 16 host cities with detailed information on world-class stadiums, luxury accommodations, transportation options, local experiences, and match-day tips. Whether you're following your team across multiple cities or planning the ultimate football pilgrimage, we've combined insights from the complete match schedule to help you make the most of this historic tournament.
Pro Tip: Book Early!
Hotels in host cities are already seeing increased demand. Book your accommodations 12-18 months in advance for the best selection and rates. Use our affiliate links below to find exclusive deals on hotels, flights, and rental cars. Many travelers are also using our travel budget calculator to estimate costs and plan their trip expenses.
Interactive Host City Comparison
Compare all 16 stadiums at a glance. Click any city name to jump to the detailed guide below. For luxury travelers, check out our guide to the best luxury hotels near each World Cup stadium.
| City | Stadium | Capacity | Matches | Country | Notable Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York/New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | 82,500 | 8 | 🇺🇸 USA | Final (July 19) |
| Dallas | AT&T Stadium | 80,000 | 9 | 🇺🇸 USA | Semi-final (July 14) |
| Mexico City | Estadio Azteca | 87,523 | 5 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | Opening Match (June 11) |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | 76,416 | 6 | 🇺🇸 USA | Quarter-final (July 11) |
| Houston | NRG Stadium | 72,220 | 7 | 🇺🇸 USA | Round of 16 |
| Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 71,000 | 8 | 🇺🇸 USA | Semi-final (July 15) |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | 70,240 | 8 | 🇺🇸 USA | Quarter-final (July 10) |
| Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | 69,176 | 6 | 🇺🇸 USA | Round of 16 |
| Seattle | Lumen Field | 68,740 | 6 | 🇺🇸 USA | Round of 16 |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Levi's Stadium | 68,500 | 6 | 🇺🇸 USA | Round of 32 |
| Boston | Gillette Stadium | 65,878 | 7 | 🇺🇸 USA | Quarter-final (July 9) |
| Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | 64,767 | 7 | 🇺🇸 USA | Bronze Final (July 18), Quarter-final |
| Vancouver | BC Place | 54,500 | 7 | 🇨🇦 Canada | Round of 16 |
| Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | 53,500 | 4 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | Round of 32 |
| Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | 46,232 | 4 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | Group Stage |
| Toronto | BMO Field | 45,500 | 6 | 🇨🇦 Canada | Round of 32 |
Detailed Host City Guides
Explore comprehensive guides for each host city with hotels, transportation, local experiences, and match-day tips. Don't forget to secure your tickets early to guarantee your spot at these iconic venues.
New York/New Jersey
🇺🇸 USA
Stadium Information
MetLife Stadium - Capacity: 82,500
Home to the NFL's Giants and Jets, MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19, making it the centerpiece of the tournament. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just 8 miles from Manhattan, this state-of-the-art venue offers unparalleled access to New York City's world-class amenities. Many football enthusiasts are also following the official countdown to kickoff as anticipation builds.
- 8 matches including the Final
- First World Cup final with half-time show (Coldplay)
- Premium hospitality suites and club seating
- Advanced LED lighting and video boards
Luxury Accommodations
New York offers unmatched hotel options from Manhattan luxury to New Jersey convenience:
- Manhattan Luxury: The Plaza, St. Regis, Four Seasons
- Near Stadium: Meadowlands Marriott, Renaissance Meadowlands
- Budget-Friendly: Jersey City hotels with PATH train access
Transportation
- Airports: JFK, Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA)
- To Stadium: NJ Transit trains from Penn Station (30 min)
- City Transit: Extensive subway and bus network
- Match Day: Dedicated shuttle buses from Manhattan
Local Experiences
- Visit Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty
- World-class dining in every cuisine imaginable
- Broadway shows and cultural attractions
- Fifth Avenue shopping and SoHo boutiques
- Empire State Building and One World Observatory
Match-Day Tips
Arrive 3-4 hours early for the Final. Book hotels in Manhattan or Jersey City for easy access. Consider staying through the weekend to explore NYC. The stadium is in a complex with American Dream mall for pre-match entertainment.
Dallas
🇺🇸 USA
Stadium Information
AT&T Stadium - Capacity: 80,000
Known as "Jerry's World," AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host 9 matches including a Semi-final, the most of any venue. This architectural marvel features a retractable roof and the world's largest HD video board. For fans interested in adding some excitement, check out our World Cup fantasy betting guide to make predictions and compete with friends.
- Most matches of any venue (9 total)
- Semi-final on July 14, 2026
- Climate-controlled with retractable roof
- World's largest HD video board (160 feet wide)
Luxury Accommodations
- Downtown Dallas: The Joule, Adolphus Hotel, Ritz-Carlton
- Near Stadium (Arlington): Live! by Loews, Sheraton Arlington
- Fort Worth: Historic Stockyards Hotel, Worthington Renaissance
Transportation
- Airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) - 20 min to stadium
- To Stadium: TRE commuter rail to Arlington
- Driving: Ample parking, but arrive early
- Ride-share: Uber/Lyft widely available
Local Experiences
- Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (JFK assassination site)
- Texas BBQ and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine
- Fort Worth Stockyards and rodeos
- Dallas Arts District (largest urban arts district in US)
- Uptown Dallas nightlife and shopping
Match-Day Tips
Texas heat can be intense in June/July - the retractable roof will likely be closed. Stay in Arlington for walking distance to stadium or downtown Dallas for nightlife. The stadium offers tours year-round if you want to visit before match day.
Mexico City
🇲🇽 Mexico
Stadium Information
Estadio Azteca - Capacity: 87,523
The legendary Estadio Azteca will host the Opening Match on June 11, 2026, making history as the first stadium to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments (1970, 1986, 2026). This is where Maradona's "Hand of God" and Pelé's brilliance created football immortality. Test your knowledge about this historic venue with our interactive World Cup trivia quiz.
- Opening Match: Mexico vs TBD (June 11)
- Largest stadium in the tournament (87,523)
- Historic venue of 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals
- High altitude (7,200 feet) affects play
Luxury Accommodations
- Polanco: St. Regis, Four Seasons, W Mexico City
- Historic Center: Downtown Mexico, Gran Hotel Ciudad
- Roma/Condesa: Boutique hotels in trendy neighborhoods
Transportation
- Airport: Mexico City International (MEX)
- To Stadium: Metro Line 2 to Taxqueña, then light rail
- Taxis: Use official sitio taxis or Uber
- Traffic: Notorious congestion - allow extra time
Local Experiences
- Teotihuacan pyramids (UNESCO World Heritage)
- World-class Mexican cuisine and street food
- Frida Kahlo Museum and Diego Rivera murals
- Chapultepec Park and Castle
- Historic Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral
Match-Day Tips
The high altitude (7,200 feet) can affect visitors - stay hydrated and take it easy your first day. The opening match will be electric with Mexican passion. Book hotels in Polanco or Roma for safety and convenience. Learn basic Spanish phrases for better experiences.
Los Angeles
🇺🇸 USA
Stadium Information
SoFi Stadium - Capacity: 70,240
The newest and most expensive stadium in the world ($5.5 billion), SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host 8 matches including a Quarter-final. This architectural masterpiece features a translucent roof and 360-degree video board. Sports enthusiasts can use our tournament simulation tool to predict match outcomes and plan which games to attend.
- 8 matches including Quarter-final (July 10)
- Most expensive stadium ever built ($5.5B)
- Translucent ETFE roof with natural light
- 70,000 sq ft dual-sided video board
Luxury Accommodations
- Beverly Hills: Beverly Wilshire, Peninsula, Montage
- Santa Monica: Shutters on the Beach, Fairmont Miramar
- Near Stadium: Renaissance LAX, Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Transportation
- Airport: LAX (5 miles from stadium)
- To Stadium: Metro K Line to Downtown Inglewood
- Driving: Car recommended for LA exploration
- Traffic: Legendary LA traffic - plan accordingly
Local Experiences
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
- Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach
- Getty Center and LACMA museums
- Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign hikes
- Diverse culinary scene from food trucks to Michelin stars
Match-Day Tips
SoFi is near LAX - consider hotels in Manhattan Beach or El Segundo for easy access. The stadium has no parking on-site for events - use ride-share or Metro. June/July weather is perfect (70-80°F). Explore different LA neighborhoods - each has unique character.
Miami
🇺🇸 USA
Stadium Information
Hard Rock Stadium - Capacity: 64,767
Recently renovated Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host 7 matches including the Bronze Final (third-place match) on July 18. The stadium features a unique canopy design that provides shade while maintaining an open-air feel. For those interested in the historical context, explore the current FIFA rankings to see which teams are favored to make it to these crucial knockout matches.
- Bronze Final on July 18, 2026
- Quarter-final match
- Innovative canopy provides 92% shade coverage
- Home of Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes
Luxury Accommodations
- South Beach: Fontainebleau, Faena, Edition
- Brickell: Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, EAST Miami
- Near Stadium: AC Hotel Miami Aventura, Turnberry Isle
Transportation
- Airport: Miami International (MIA) - 15 miles to stadium
- To Stadium: Ride-share or rental car recommended
- City Transit: Metrorail and Metromover in downtown
- Water Taxi: Scenic option for waterfront areas
Local Experiences
- South Beach and Art Deco Historic District
- Wynwood Walls street art and galleries
- Cuban cuisine in Little Havana
- Biscayne Bay boat tours and water sports
- World-famous nightlife and beach clubs
Match-Day Tips
July in Miami is HOT and humid - the canopy helps but stay hydrated. South Beach hotels offer the best Miami experience but are 30 min from stadium. Consider staying in Aventura or Fort Lauderdale for proximity. The Bronze Final is a great match to attend with less pressure than the Final.
Atlanta
🇺🇸 USA
Stadium Information
Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Capacity: 71,000
Atlanta's state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host 8 matches including a Semi-final on July 15. Known for its iconic retractable "pinwheel" roof and fan-friendly pricing, this venue offers an exceptional match-day experience.
- Semi-final on July 15, 2026
- Iconic retractable pinwheel roof
- LEED Platinum certified (most sustainable NFL stadium)
- 360-degree halo video board
Luxury Accommodations
- Downtown: St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, W Atlanta Downtown
- Midtown: Four Seasons, Loews Atlanta, Georgian Terrace
- Buckhead: Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental Buckhead
Transportation
- Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - world's busiest airport
- To Stadium: MARTA Blue/Green Line to Vine City (5 min walk)
- City Transit: MARTA rail connects major areas
- Walkability: Stadium is downtown - many hotels walkable
Local Experiences
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
- Georgia Aquarium (largest in Western Hemisphere)
- World of Coca-Cola
- Piedmont Park and Atlanta BeltLine
- Southern cuisine and thriving food scene
Match-Day Tips
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in downtown Atlanta - stay downtown for walking distance. The MARTA train is the easiest way to reach the stadium. Atlanta summers are hot and humid. The stadium is known for affordable concessions ($2 hot dogs!). Book early for the Semi-final.
Toronto
🇨🇦 Canada
Stadium Information
BMO Field - Capacity: 45,500
Toronto's BMO Field will host 6 matches including Round of 32 games. As Canada's largest city and a multicultural hub, Toronto will bring incredible diversity and passion to the tournament.
- 6 matches including Round of 32
- Home of Toronto FC (MLS)
- Located at Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario
- Recently expanded for World Cup
Luxury Accommodations
- Downtown: Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Shangri-La
- Waterfront: Westin Harbour Castle, Radisson Admiral
- Entertainment District: Thompson Toronto, Hyatt Regency
Transportation
- Airport: Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- To Stadium: TTC streetcar 509 or 511 to Exhibition
- City Transit: Excellent TTC subway and streetcar network
- Entry: US citizens need passport (no visa for short stays)
Local Experiences
- CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium
- Diverse international cuisine (Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown)
- Toronto Islands and Harbourfront
- Distillery District and Kensington Market
- Hockey Hall of Fame and sports culture
Match-Day Tips
Toronto in June/July is beautiful (70-80°F). The city is incredibly multicultural - expect passionate fan zones for every nation. Stay downtown for easy access to stadium and nightlife. Canadian dollar is typically weaker than USD - good value for Americans. Don't miss Niagara Falls (90 min drive).
Cross-Border Travel & Visa Information
United States Entry Requirements
The USA will host 11 of the 16 host cities and the majority of matches, including the Final.
Visa Requirements
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Citizens of 40 countries can visit for up to 90 days without a visa (requires ESTA approval)
- ESTA: Apply online at least 72 hours before travel ($21 fee)
- Tourist Visa (B-2): Required for non-VWP countries
- Processing Time: ESTA instant to 72 hours; B-2 visa 3-5 weeks
Entry Documents
- Valid passport (must be valid for 6 months beyond stay)
- Proof of onward travel (return ticket)
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Multi-City Travel Tips
Traveling between US host cities is straightforward with extensive domestic flight networks:
- Domestic flights don't require additional immigration checks
- Book multi-city flights in advance for best rates
- Consider rental cars for regional clusters (Dallas-Houston-Kansas City)
Canada Entry Requirements
Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver.
Visa Requirements
- eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada ($7 CAD)
- US Citizens: Only need valid passport (no eTA required)
- Visitor Visa: Required for non-exempt countries
- Processing Time: eTA usually instant; visitor visa 2-4 weeks
USA-Canada Border Crossing
Many fans will cross between USA and Canada during the tournament:
- Flying: Treated as international travel - allow extra time
- Driving: Multiple border crossings (Detroit-Windsor, Buffalo-Niagara Falls, Seattle-Vancouver)
- Wait Times: Can be 1-3 hours during peak times
- ArriveCAN: May be required - check current requirements
Mexico Entry Requirements
Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, including the Opening Match.
Visa Requirements
- US/Canada/EU Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 180 days
- FMM Tourist Card: Issued free at entry (keep it for exit!)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay
- Other Nationals: Check visa requirements for your country
USA-Mexico Border Crossing
Crossing between USA and Mexico for matches:
- Flying: Easiest option - direct flights to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Driving: Possible but requires Mexican car insurance
- Safety: Stick to major cities and tourist areas
- Language: Spanish helpful but English widely spoken in tourist areas
Important: Apply Early!
Visa processing times may increase significantly as the tournament approaches. Apply for all necessary travel documents at least 3-6 months before your trip. Keep digital and physical copies of all documents.
Essential Planning Resources
View all 104 matches with dates, times, and venues
Tickets, news, and official tournament updates
Find and compare accommodations in all host cities
Compare flights and multi-city itineraries
Pro Travel Tips
- Book Early: Hotels in host cities are already seeing 200-300% price increases for World Cup dates
- Multi-City Packages: Consider following your team across multiple cities - book flights as multi-city itineraries
- Regional Clusters: Group nearby cities (Dallas-Houston-Kansas City or LA-San Francisco-Seattle) to minimize travel
- Alternative Accommodations: Consider Airbnb, VRBO, or hotels in nearby suburbs if city center is sold out
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended given the complexity of multi-country, multi-city travel
- Local SIM Cards: Get local SIM cards or international plans for navigation and communication
Stadium images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons contributors, licensed under Creative Commons
LuxuryFootballElite.com | 2026 Schedule | Privacy Policy