The world’s greatest football tournament is coming to the United States. From 11 June to 19 July 2026, the FIFA World Cup hosts 48 nations across 16 cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. For British supporters, five American host cities stand out: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Boston and Seattle. Boston is particularly important for England fans — the Three Lions face Ghana there on 23 June. This city-by-city guide gives you everything you need to plan your trip.
1. How to Get Match Tickets
Ticketing options in 2026
Most early-sale phases (Visa Presale Draw, Early Ticket Draw, Random Selection Draw) are now closed. Two options remain, according to Wise and Goal.com:
- Last-Minute Sales Phase: opens early April 2026, first-come first-served with immediate confirmation.
- FIFA Official Resale Marketplace: reopens on 2 April 2026 — verified resale tickets at regulated prices.
- Hospitality packages via FIFA.com: guaranteed access with premium experience.
With dynamic pricing, tickets range from $60 (early group stage) to $6,730 (Final).
2. Flights and Transport from the UK
Transatlantic flights during the World Cup
A return flight from London to the US East Coast in June–July 2026 can easily exceed £600 per person. The IATA confirms a 20–40% price increase for this summer compared to previous years. Book as early as possible.
Best strategies by city
- New York / Boston / Miami: direct flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta or United.
- Los Angeles: direct from Heathrow (~11h), or connect via an East Coast hub to save money.
- Seattle: usually connect via LAX, SFO or Dallas (allow 1.5–2h layover).
- Domestic flights between US cities: New York–Los Angeles from $250–450, Miami–Seattle from $300–550.
3. New York / New Jersey — The Final Venue
MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey
The New York–New Jersey area hosts eight matches, including the World Cup Final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is the showpiece venue of the entire tournament. Note: MetLife Stadium is not in New York City itself — it’s in suburban New Jersey, a 30-minute NJ Transit ride from Penn Station.
Getting to the stadium
- NJ Transit: from Penn Station → Secaucus Junction → special Meadowlands line. About 30 minutes, dedicated trains before/after every match.
- Ride-share / taxi: 25–40 minutes from Midtown (allow more for traffic).
Free fan zones
- Rockefeller Center: NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Village from 4–19 July — live screenings, music, mini-pitch.
- Queens: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (17–28 June) for group stage matches.
Where to stay
For stadium access and Times Square: Penn Station / Herald Square area. To save 30–40%: hotels in Jersey City, with a 15-minute PATH train to Manhattan. For a local atmosphere: Brooklyn or Queens, typically 20–30% cheaper than Midtown.
4. Boston — England’s Key Match Venue
Gillette Stadium — Foxborough, Massachusetts
Boston is a must for England fans: the Three Lions face Ghana at Gillette Stadium on 23 June. Seven matches are scheduled at Foxborough, including a quarter-final on 9 July. The complete schedule includes Scotland, Norway, Morocco and France as well — making this venue a hub for European supporters, according to NESN.
Full schedule at Gillette Stadium
- 13 June: Haiti vs Scotland
- 16 June: Playoff team vs Norway
- 19 June: Scotland vs Morocco
- 23 June: England vs Ghana 🏴
- 26 June: Norway vs France
- 29 June: Round of 32
- 9 July: Quarter-final
Getting to the stadium
Boston Stadium Trains run express from South Station to Foxborough. Train tickets are limited — book from 8 April via the MBTA mTicket app. The stadium is 29 miles (~47 km) south-west of downtown Boston.
Best neighbourhoods in Boston
- Back Bay / South End: near Back Bay Station, well connected.
- Beacon Hill: historic Boston, steps from the Freedom Trail.
- Cambridge (Harvard Square): less touristy, better value.
5. Los Angeles — Hollywood, Beaches and Football
SoFi Stadium — Inglewood
Los Angeles is staging 39 days of World Cup events at SoFi Stadium — the NFL’s largest arena (70,000 seats), which is described as « indoor-outdoor » with climate control and a 120-metre mega-screen. Eight matches are scheduled here, including the USA vs Paraguay opener on 12 June and a quarter-final, according to Los Angeles FWC26.
Getting to SoFi Stadium
- Metro K Line: direct connection to Inglewood with shuttles to the stadium.
- Metro C Line: connects LAX area with K Line interchanges.
- Uber/Lyft: 20–30 min from Inglewood or LAX, 35–50 min from Santa Monica.
Best neighbourhoods
- Inglewood / LAX: closest to the stadium, short transfer times.
- Santa Monica / Venice Beach: the quintessential California experience — beach, boardwalk, sun.
- Downtown LA (DTLA): museums, multicultural food halls, 20 min from the stadium.
6. Miami — Sun, Parties and Football
Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens
Miami hosts seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium — including a quarter-final and the third-place play-off. The stadium’s partial canopy protects most spectators from intense sun and sudden downpours, according to FWC Ultimate Miami Championship.
Getting to the stadium
Brightline (South Florida’s express train) serves Miami Downtown, Aventura and Fort Lauderdale. The Aventura station is 6.7 miles from Hard Rock Stadium, with an official shuttle service. Allow 20 min from Downtown Miami, 30 min from South Beach.
Fan Zone: Bayfront Park (free entry)
The FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Festival at Bayfront Park (13 June–5 July) hosts 30,000 fans on Biscayne Bay waterfront, with giant screens, live music and international food stalls. Free, no ticket required.
Best neighbourhoods
- Downtown / Brickell: modern hotels, close to Bayfront Park and transport.
- South Beach (Miami Beach): iconic energy, stunning beaches — but pricier.
- Fort Lauderdale: 30–40% cheaper than Miami Beach, great Brightline access.
7. Seattle — The Tournament’s Hidden Gem
Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the surprise package of the tournament. Lumen Field hosts six matches, including USA vs Australia (Group D) and Belgium’s group stage matches. The stadium’s open north end frames views of Seattle’s skyline and Elliott Bay, and its unique roof design has produced world noise records. According to FutbolUpdate, this is one of the most atmospheric venues in world football.
Transport: Seattle’s advantage
Lumen Field is in the SoDo district, just south of downtown — within walking distance of many hotels. From Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), the Link Light Rail reaches the stadium in 25–30 minutes. This is easily the most car-free-friendly host city.
Fan Zone: Seattle Center
Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle) is the official fan hub, with nine additional fan zones across Washington State (Tacoma, Spokane, Olympia and more).
Best neighbourhoods
- Downtown / Pioneer Square: closest to the stadium, historic brick architecture, art galleries and cafés.
- Capitol Hill: dense arts and nightlife quarter, excellent food scene, open late.
- citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square: walking distance to Lumen Field and the waterfront.
8. Budget Guide by City
How much to budget per city (per person/week, excluding match tickets)
According to Simbye.com, US travel in summer 2026 is on average 17% more expensive than usual, with significant variation between cities.
Cities ranked by affordability (estimated weekly budget)
- 🥇 Seattle: ~£870–1,920/week — most affordable, best weather.
- 🥈 Boston: ~£1,050–1,900/week — manageable if you avoid the city centre.
- 🥉 New York: ~£950–2,100/week (staying in NJ or Brooklyn).
- 🏅 Los Angeles: ~£1,050–2,350/week — Ubers essential.
- 🏅 Miami: ~£1,150–2,450/week — priciest but most vibrant.
9. Recommended East Coast Itinerary for England Fans
10 days from New York to Boston
If you’re following England to their group stage match in Boston, pairing it with a few days in New York makes for the perfect US football trip — all without a domestic flight.
Days 1–5: New York
Soak up the Big Apple: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, free Staten Island ferry, and world-class museums (Met, MoMA on Friday evenings). Fan Zone at Rockefeller Center from 4 July.
Days 6–10: Boston
England vs Ghana on 23 June. Take the Amtrak from Penn Station (3.5–4h, ~$35–80, or 90 min on the Acela). Explore Harvard, MIT, the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall. Brilliant seafood around the waterfront.
Practical Information for Your USA Trip
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From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently Asked Questions — World Cup 2026 USA
Do British citizens need a visa for the USA for the 2026 World Cup?
No visa is required. As a UK citizen in the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), you need an ESTA instead. From January 2026, the fee is $40.27 per traveller. Apply via cbp.gov at least 72 hours before departure. New rules introduced in December 2025 require significantly more personal information, so allow extra time to complete the application.
How to get to MetLife Stadium from New York City?
Take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the special Meadowlands line directly to the stadium. Journey time: approximately 30 minutes from Penn Station. Dedicated trains run before and after every match. By ride-share, allow 25–40 minutes from Midtown (more during peak traffic).
Are fan zones free at World Cup 2026 host cities?
Yes — the vast majority of official fan zones are free and open without a match ticket. They screen all matches on giant outdoor screens and host concerts and activations. New York: Rockefeller Center (4–19 July). Miami: Bayfront Park (13 June–5 July, 30,000 capacity). Boston: City Hall Plaza. Seattle: Seattle Center. Los Angeles: Memorial Coliseum.
Which is the cheapest World Cup 2026 host city to visit?
Seattle is the most affordable: accommodation from £110–160/night (budget), great public transport via Light Rail, and a solid range of affordable restaurants. Estimated weekly budget: £870–1,920/person excluding match tickets. Boston is second most affordable. New York is the most expensive (63% above average), but staying in New Jersey or Brooklyn cuts costs dramatically.
What travel insurance do I need for the USA?
US healthcare is the most expensive in the world — a GP consultation costs $150–300, and a hospital stay can run to tens of thousands of dollars. Your travel insurance must cover medical expenses of at least $500,000, as well as trip cancellation, baggage and emergency repatriation. Don’t rely on your credit card’s built-in cover alone.
How do I get from New York to Boston without flying?
The Amtrak train is by far the best option: comfortable, WiFi, no airport queues. New York Penn Station to Boston South Station: 3.5 hours on the Acela Express (~$65–130) or 4.5 hours on the Regional service (~$35–75). Book early — prices rise as the World Cup approaches. Megabus and FlixBus offer a cheaper but slower (5+ hours) alternative.
What is the best time of year weather-wise to visit Seattle?
June and July are Seattle’s best months: 22–24°C during the day, 12–14°C in the evenings, and very little rain (about 1.8cm in July). Despite Seattle’s rainy reputation, summer is remarkably dry and sunny — making it arguably the best weather of all five US host cities for the World Cup. Pack a light waterproof for evening matches, just in case.
How much should I budget for tipping in the USA?
Tipping in the US is culturally expected, not optional. In sit-down restaurants, add 18–25% on top of your bill. In coffee shops, $1–3 per drink. For taxis and Uber, 10–20%. Bar service: $1–2 per drink. Factor this into every meal budget — it can add 20–25% to your total daily food spending.
Sources
- NYC Tourism — World Cup 26 — Official New York guide
- MBTA — World Cup Guide Boston — Official transport guide for Gillette Stadium
- TravelNoire — New York Guide WC2026
- TravelNoire — Seattle Guide WC2026
- TravelNoire — Los Angeles Guide WC2026
- Visit Florida — Miami World Cup 2026
- FutbolUpdate — Seattle Guide WC2026
- Los Angeles FWC26 (official site)
- NESN — Boston World Cup 2026 Schedule
- Simbye — USA Travel Costs 2026 Budget Guide
- The World Cup Guide — Seattle
Research conducted on 24 March 2026
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