The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already underway, and with 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it is the largest football tournament in history. Whether you are planning to attend a handful of group stage matches in a single city or following your national team through multiple rounds, this guide covers the practical, logistical, and experiential elements of attending the World Cup in North America.

The Host Cities and What to Know About Each

The 2026 World Cup is spread across 16 host cities in a geographic footprint that makes it quite different from previous tournaments hosted in a single country. Matches are being played in:

In the United States: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), Boston (Gillette Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), and Houston (NRG Stadium).

In Canada: Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place). In Mexico: Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA).

• New York/New Jersey will host the final on July 19, making it the most sought-after venue for the tournament’s conclusion.
• Los Angeles and Dallas are hosting the most matches of any US city, giving them the widest variety of national teams and games to attend.
• Mexican venues are the most intense atmospheres for group stage games, with passionate local crowds creating an experience unlike anything in the United States.

Getting Tickets

The primary ticket sales window has closed, but resale tickets are available through FIFA’s official resale platform and secondary market platforms. Prices vary enormously by match – a group stage game between smaller nations in an early round might be available for reasonable prices, while matches involving major nations like Brazil, Argentina, England, or the United States are priced at significant premiums. The final and semifinal matches are commanding extraordinary prices on secondary markets.

Transportation Between Cities

One of the unique challenges of a multi-city North American World Cup is getting between venues. The geographic scale means driving between host cities for multiple matches is often impractical. Domestic air travel is the most practical inter-city transport, and travelers following their team through multiple cities should book flights early as demand around match dates is high. Amtrak connects several northeastern US host cities and offers a scenic alternative to flying for the Boston-New York corridor.

Accommodation Strategy

Book accommodation as far in advance as possible for the nights surrounding major matches. Hotels in all 16 host cities have been booked and repriced upward significantly around match days. Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have more inventory in some markets, and staying slightly outside the city center can be significantly more affordable if public transit connections to the stadium are reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch World Cup matches without tickets?

Yes. FIFA Fan Festivals in each host city provide free outdoor viewing experiences with large screens and entertainment. Local bars, restaurants, and parks throughout each city will also be showing matches, and the atmosphere in host cities on game days extends well beyond the stadium itself.

Do I need a visa to attend matches in the US?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. The US has established streamlined visa procedures for World Cup visitors – check the US Department of State website for current requirements for your specific passport.