From June 11 to July 19, 2026, football takes over North America. For the first time in history, the World Cup will be held across three countries: United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities, this World Cup is the most ambitious ever organized. Opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey: here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip.
2026 Overview: Dates, Format, and Host Cities
According to FIFA, the schedule was designed to reduce travel for teams and fans through geographic zone organization. The winning strategy for your trip: choose 1 zone (East, Central, or West) and 1-2 base cities.
| Country | FIFA City | Stadium | Actual Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta (downtown) |
| USA | Boston | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough (outside Boston) |
| USA | Dallas | AT&T Stadium | Arlington (between Dallas & Fort Worth) |
| USA | Houston | NRG Stadium | Houston (southwest) |
| USA | Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri |
| USA | Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood (L.A. County) |
| USA | Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens |
| USA | New York/New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford (NJ) |
| USA | Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia (south) |
| USA | San Francisco Bay Area | Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara |
| USA | Seattle | Lumen Field | Seattle (downtown) |
| Canada | Toronto | BMO Field | Toronto (Exhibition Place) |
| Canada | Vancouver | BC Place | Vancouver (downtown) |
| Mexico | Mexico City | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City (south) |
| Mexico | Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | Zapopan |
| Mexico | Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | Guadalupe |
Key point: FIFA uses « neutral » names (e.g., « Boston Stadium »), but to book your hotel and organize transportation, you need to know the exact location of the stadium. Many are in the suburbs!
FIFA 2026 Tickets: How to Buy
In 2026, the challenge isn’t just buying, but buying from the right place. FIFA emphasizes: tickets should only be purchased through FIFA.com/tickets. Unofficial offers may be invalid.
Sales Phases (as of February 3, 2026)
- Phase 1 – Visa Presale Draw: September 10-19, 2025 (ended)
- Phase 2 – Early Ticket Draw: October 27-31, 2025 (ended)
- Phase 3 – Random Selection Draw: Dec. 11, 2025 – Jan. 13, 2026 (ended)
- Upcoming phases: Last-minute / first-come first-served (watch FIFA.com)
Resale and Hospitality
FIFA has set up an official FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace with two versions:
- Resale Marketplace: for residents of Canada, USA, and international buyers
- Exchange Marketplace: for residents of Mexico
For premium hospitality, On Location is the official provider. Packages available via FIFA.com/hospitality.
Entry Requirements: ESTA, eTA, and FMM
This World Cup requires unique administrative juggling: three different immigration systems. Here are the requirements by country according to official sources.
USA – ESTA
The ESTA is the electronic authorization for the Visa Waiver Program.
- Biometric passport (e-passport) required
- Apply as soon as you start planning
- Travel to Cuba = ESTA denied, embassy visa required
Canada – eTA
The eTA is required for visa-exempt travelers arriving by air.
Mexico – FMM
Schengen area nationals do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 180 days.
- Air entry: Download the digital FMMd
- Keep the FMMd (required at departure)
United States: 11 Host Cities
The United States hosts 80% of the matches in the tournament. Dallas has the most matches (9), including a semi-final. Here are the key zones.
East Zone: The Mega-Corridor
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Toronto form the most « European » zone in terms of mobility. The Amtrak train can beat flying door-to-door (NYC-Philly ~1h15, NYC-Boston ~4h).
New York / New Jersey – THE FINAL
- Budget alternative: Jersey City/Hoboken (200-350 USD/day)
- 30% cheaper, closer to the stadium
- 15 min from Manhattan via PATH train
Boston / Foxborough
Pacific Zone: Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles
The most scenic zone of the tournament: mountains, ocean, and urban micro-cultures. The Amtrak Cascades train connects Seattle to Vancouver (downtown to downtown) – perfect for a « 2 cities, 2 vibes » experience.
Los Angeles / Inglewood
- Affordable alternatives: Long Beach, Culver City
- Shuttles planned but metro is far
San Francisco Bay Area / Santa Clara
South Zone: Miami and Atlanta
In June-July, prepare for heat and humidity. Plan your trip as a mix of matches + breaks (parks, museums, early/evening outings).
Miami / Miami Gardens
Texas Zone: Dallas and Houston
Dallas hosts 9 matches including a semi-final – it’s the city with the most games! Interesting option: hop over to Monterrey for an immediate cultural contrast.
Dallas / Arlington
Kansas City: The Midwest Surprise
Kansas City, Missouri – Most Affordable City
- World capital of barbecue
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (in a gas station – it’s legendary)
- Order the « Z-Man Sandwich »
Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
Canada hosts its first men’s World Cup match with the national team. Two spectacular cities: multicultural Toronto and scenic Vancouver.
Vancouver
- Skiing in the morning, beach in the afternoon
- Bike around Stanley Park (Seawall)
- Granville Island for foodies
Toronto
- Budget alternative: Hamilton (cheaper)
- Ferry to Toronto Islands (CN Tower view)
- Cocktails at The One Eighty instead of the CN Tower
Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
Mexico offers the most electric atmosphere of the tournament. Estadio Azteca makes history by hosting the opening match on June 11, 2026.
Mexico City – OPENING MATCH
- Recommended neighborhoods: Roma Norte or Condesa (safe, trendy)
- Uber is safe and affordable
- Street tacos: 1-2 EUR
Guadalajara – The Soul of Mexico
- Birthplace of tequila and mariachis
- Unique experience: « Jose Cuervo Express » train
- Journey through blue agave fields (UNESCO)
Monterrey – Emerging Destination
- Modern skyline + nearby mountains
- Still off the radar for Europeans
- Perfect combo if you’re in Texas!
2026 Travel Budget: How Much to Plan For
Your budget breaks down into 6 categories: tickets, accommodation, inter-city transport, local transport, meals, and insurance. Accommodation is the #1 factor: one poorly located night can cost +200 USD and 2 hours of travel.
| Profile | USA (major cities) | USA (affordable) | Canada | Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 160-260 USD/day | 140-220 USD/day | 180-280 CAD/day | 1,200-2,200 MXN/day |
| Comfort | 260-450 USD/day | 220-360 USD/day | 280-480 CAD/day | 2,200-4,500 MXN/day |
| Premium | 500-1,200 USD/day | 400-800 USD/day | 500-1,000 CAD/day | 4,500-9,000 MXN/day |
Sample Total Budget
12 days « East Zone USA + 1 Canada trip » in comfort:
Approx. 3,200 – 5,500 USD (excluding match tickets & flights from Europe)
- Matchday Budget: more expensive (transport, food on the go, tight schedule)
- Rest Day Budget: more local (markets, parks, free museums)
Inter-City Transport: How to Get Around
Distances are continental. The golden rule: door-to-door time (travel + airport + security + transfers) matters more than flight duration.
Efficient Train Corridors
- Northeast Corridor (Amtrak): Boston – NYC – Philly – Washington. The train often beats flying.
- Seattle – Vancouver (Amtrak Cascades): downtown to downtown, perfect for 2 cross-border matches.
Where a Car Is Almost Mandatory
Some stadiums are poorly served by public transit:
Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium – Very limited transit
Dallas/Arlington
AT&T Stadium – No direct public transit
Los Angeles/Inglewood
SoFi Stadium – Shuttles planned but metro is far
Miami Gardens
Hard Rock Stadium – Far from South Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets safely?
Only through official FIFA channels (FIFA.com/tickets) and, for hospitality, through On Location and authorized agents. Third-party sites (Viagogo, StubHub) carry a risk of invalid tickets.
Does a match ticket guarantee entry to the USA/Canada/Mexico?
No. FIFA reminds us: you must meet the entry requirements of each country (ESTA, eTA, etc.). A ticket does not replace immigration formalities.
Do I need an eTA for Canada if I cross the border by train?
No. According to the Canadian government, the eTA is only required when arriving by air. If you enter by road, train, or boat and are visa-exempt, the eTA is not required.
What total budget should I plan for 2 weeks and 3 matches?
For an « average comfort » profile (3* hotels, domestic flights, category 2/3 tickets): expect around 3,500 to 5,000 EUR per person (including international flights). Mexico brings the average down, NYC/LA/Boston push it up.
Is there an official marketplace for ticket resale?
Yes. FIFA has set up the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace: « Resale » for residents of Canada, USA, and international buyers; « Exchange » specifically for residents of Mexico.
Will there be free Fan Zones?
Yes. Each host city will have a FIFA Fan Festival – a secure space with giant screens, concerts, and food. Entry is generally free. It’s the best alternative if you don’t have a stadium ticket.
Does public transit reach the stadiums?
Yes: Vancouver, Seattle, New York, Atlanta, Toronto, Mexico City. Difficult or no: Kansas City, Dallas (Arlington), Los Angeles (SoFi), Miami (Hard Rock). For these cities, plan for Uber or car rental.
Can I do USA + Canada or USA + Mexico on the same trip?
It’s a good plan if your matches are in logically connected « border » cities: Seattle-Vancouver (train), Texas-Monterrey. Otherwise, the time/flight cost may eat into your experience. Choose your zone before your team!
Sources
- FIFA – Official press release on final and opening
- FIFA – Host cities and dates
- FIFA Tickets – Sales phases
- FIFA – Match schedule (PDF)
- CBP – ESTA (USA)
- Canada – eTA
- INM Mexico – FMMd
- Amtrak Cascades
- NerdWallet – Acela vs Northeast Regional
- TSA – REAL ID
- GSA – Per Diem Rates
Research conducted on February 3, 2026
Plan Your FIFA 2026 Trip
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