World Cup Guide to All 16 Host Cities & Stadiums

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The 2026 World Cup Lineup: Host Cities at a Glance

Ok, here’s a list to get things started of all the 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico where the games will be held before I go into more detail in this World Cup 2026 guide.

The Full Lowdown: Stadiums, Fanzones, and Where to Stay

Now comes the fun part, I’ve laid out each of the 16 cities into a comprehensive guide covering stadium and fan zone info, great places to watch the games outside of the stadiums, best places to stay to enjoy both the games and the city and a list of many of the best things to do in each place. This way, you can enjoy both the games and get a bit of sneaky travel time in. Alright, this mahoosive World Cup 2026 guide ain’t gonna read itself!

Los Angeles, California, USA – SoFi Stadium  

City Overview 

Ahh, Los Angeles, it’s one of those love it or hate it places, but it’s certainly somewhere that you just have to experience at least once in your lifetime. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it feels like it belongs on another planet, for better or for worse! 

I’m one of those weird people who love the place, but hey, soy poco loco ya know! 

The thing is, LA has something for everyone, from incredible beaches (both commercialised and surprisingly serene), and beautiful State Parks, to the indescribable chaos of Hollywood and the insanity of Downtown! This multicultural city has a plethora of things to see and do, as well as an incredible amount of food and drink to indulge in. 

It’s just one of those places that has a buzz about it, even without a major event taking place (which, I mean, this is LA, so the whole city is a major event), so you know it’s gonna be poppin’ come game day! 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

LA is notorious for having bad traffic jams, so much so that you’ll see an unhinged amount of helicopter traffic at any given time, as many celebs choose to simply fly over it. 

Public transport in LA is a mixed bag, where it covers its great, but there are a lot of areas that are hard to get to. 

Having said that, the stadium is pretty easy to get to with a combination of metro plus shuttle services, and they would be my recommendation. 

Fanzones in LA

• Location: The official fan-festival/ fanzone for LA is planned for Exposition Park. There are also yet to be confirmed plans for official viewing areas around the city in locations such as Hollywood and Downtown. 
• Opening hours: Unconfirmed as of yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Unconfirmed as of yet. Expect tight security. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Expect large screens, food vendors and a festival-like atmosphere. Areas like Hollywood might be slightly less family-friendly once it gets late. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

It is expected that alongside the official fanzone, there will be several large outdoor public screens from which to watch the games in areas such as Downtown, Hollywood and possibly Santa Monica. 

Aside from that, LA has some great sports bars. The ones I recommend are: Tom’s Watch Bar (Santa Monica), The Soccer Republic at The Abbey (West Hollywood), The Greyhound Bar & Grill (Highland Park), Brennan’s (Venice), Ye Olde King’s Head (Santa Monica), Angel City Brewery (Arts District) and Barney’s Beanery (Multiple Locations). 

Things to do in Los Angeles

LA is one of those places where you couldn’t possibly cover all the things there are to do in one trip, especially if you’ve got important football matters at hand! It’s a diverse place in many ways, from its inhabitants to its food and the places to visit here. 

• See the Hollywood Sign – A trip to LA isn’t complete before you’ve seen the iconic sign. You can even hike up to it. 
• Stroll along Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach – Test yourself out at Muscle Beach, go for a swim, hit up the amusement park, or just people-watch. 
• Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Hollywood Boulevard brings its chaotic energy without fail! 
• Explore Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park – Head out of the chaos of the city for great views over the vast expanse that is LA. 
• Visit The Getty Center – This stunning hilltop gallery offers world-class art and panoramic views out across Malibu and Downtown. 

Food Scene

The food scene in LA is as diverse as it comes, and that goes for both cuisine and cost! If there is a type of food that exists, you can find it here! Whilst it’s a city with a multicultural population, it’s Mexican food trucks that it’s famous for. 

• Must try food – Tacos & burritos from food trucks, Korean BBQ, In-N-Out Burger, Fried chicken sandwiches, and Poke bowls. 
• Places to eat – Guerrilla Tacos, Howlin’ Ray’s, Philippe’s, Grand Central Market. 

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

For ease of transport to and from games and exploring, I highly recommend staying in Downtown LA. This might not be the ideal spot to stay on a  “regular” visit to LA (though I have stayed in DT twice myself), but more desirable areas like Santa Monica are much more out of the way for game day. 

Downtown is at the heart of public transport in LA, and from here it’s easy enough to get anywhere covered by the metro. The neighbourhood itself has several different areas, including ones you want to avoid, such as Skid Row. My advice would be to stay in the Little Tokyo/ Arts District, which has a great vibe, is safe and well-connected. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Freehand Los Angeles – A rooftop pool, fitness centre and close to a metro station, ideal for post-game relaxing. 
• Hostel: PodShare Arts District – Not the best reviews, but it’s a hostel in Downtown LA, it is what it is! 
• Airbnb: Mikado Little Tokyo – The brand new Micro Suite Apartments in Little Tokyo are well-equipped and located close to a metro station.

San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA – Levi’s Stadium

City Overview 

The foggy hipster city, by the way, that is San Francisco, surely needs no introduction.  LA’s more refined Brother is cool because it punches way above its size – iconic scenery, world-class food, walkable neighbourhoods, more subcultures than you shake a stick at. And of course it’s got sports credentials. 

San Fran will be absolutely buzzing during the World Cup — think packed sports bars, waterfront fan energy, and a cosmopolitan crowd rolling between matches, neighbourhoods, and late-night burrito joints. Even though the stadium itself isn’t in the city, SF will feel like one of the cultural hubs of the tournament.

While there is a huge and very visible homeless population, San Francisco is generally safe for travellers, but petty theft is common. Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and car break-ins are the main issues, especially downtown and in crowded areas. Keep valuables zipped up and don’t leave anything visible in cars.

The city is cooler than most people expect, especially in the mornings when the fog rolls in. Daytime temps usually sit around 15-20°C (60-68°F), often foggy in the mornings and evenings. Bring layers – hoodies and light jackets are essential, even in summer.

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

San Francisco’s World Cup matches will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, about 45-50 miles south of the city. It’s totally doable as a day trip, but you’ll want to plan transport carefully on matchdays.

Fanzones in San Francisco

• Location: The fanzone isn’t confirmed yet, but likely locations are Civic Center Plaza, Embarcadero / Waterfront areas or other Large downtown public squares or parks. 
• Opening hours: Typically open on matchdays, from late morning through evening. Expect extended hours for big fixtures
• Cost/entry rules: Usually free entry, but can have capacity limits during peak games. Bag checks and security screening are likely
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Hip, cosmopolitan and social. Expect big screens, food trucks, beer tents and tech-bros pretending to be normal people – perfect if you don’t have a match ticket. Oh, and remember that there is a sizable Latin community here, so expect it to be extra lively when Mexico and Colombia are playing.

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Aside from the official fan zones, there are loads of bars all over the city that will be showing the games. There are bona fide Sports bars across the Mission District, SoMa, North Beach, and the Marina, and many will open up early for international kick-offs.

Expect packed venues and standing room only for major games – it’s better that way, right?

Top Things to Do in San Francisco

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in San Francisco between games — whether you’ve got a spare afternoon, a full rest day, or you’re awfully hungover after a late kickoff. This is a city made for wandering, eating well, and soaking up the views all without spending much money.

• Walk or cycle the Golden Gate Bridge. An absolute non-negotiable SF classic. When I first crossed the GGB in a bus, I nearly cried with glee! The best way to do it, though, is by renting a bike – you roll across the bridge and cruise down into Sausalito for food and beers before ferrying back.
• Explore Alcatraz Island – This is one of the city’s most famous sights and is genuinely worth it. Book WELL ahead (ie, right now this very second) — tickets sell out fast even outside tournament season.
• Ride the Cable Cars – Tourist? Yes. Iconic? Fuck yes! Grab a spot hanging off the side and enjoy the chaos. A single ride or day pass works best.
• Get Your Beat On – San Fran was the home of the beat writers and then the original hippies. Follow in their footsteps in Chinatown, Berkeley or Haight Ashbury.
• Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 – (Sea Lions may bite…)
  Cheesy but fun. Come for the sea lions, stay for sunset views over the bay. Easy to combine with a waterfront walk and then stop for clam chowder.
• Golden Gate Park – Massive, free, and surprisingly peaceful. Good for recovery days. You’ll find gardens, museums, and plenty of space to chill.

Food Scene

Look, San Francisco isn’t cheap – but it can be eaten on a budget. The food scene here is MASSIVE. From taco trucks to Chinatown to a flurry of Michelin-starred restaurants, there is too much to even attempt to list.

• Must try food – Sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, Cioppino (seafood stew), Mission burrito(massive, under $15, feeds you twice), Ghirardelli chocolate, Dim sum, Irish coffee. Chinatown bakeries & noodle spots (filling meals for cheap – you can find great value in Chinatown), Food trucks (especially in the Mission and SoMa). Happy hour bars (clutch for pre-game beers). 
• Places to eat –  Boudin Bakery (sourdough bread), Scoma’s (Dungeness crab), Tadich Grill (Cioppino), La Taqueria (Mission-style burrito), Ghirardelli Square (chocolate), Yank Sing (dim sum), Buena Vista Café (Irish coffee). 

Where to Stay in San Francisco

We backpackers staying in SF for the World Cup need a base that’s well-connected to downtown social life, transport links to matchday travel, and cheap eats – and that’s what the SoMa (South of Market) / Downtown area delivers.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Hotel Fiona – Located in San Francisco’s vibrant SoMa district, close to the Metro, it has a heated pool and fitness centre in a heritage building. 
• Hostel: Ram’s Hotel – A highly reviewed spot in the SoMa neighbourhood, there’s an on-site cafe, and they offer private rooms and a small shared kitchen. 
• Airbnb: Modern Studio w/Quiet Courtyard – A nice little private place with good reviews, a small kitchen and courtyard in a convenient area.

Seattle, Washington, USA – Lumen Field

City Overview 

Seattle is one of the few host cities where you can do a proper matchday and still have time for a real city day around it. We here at The Broke Backpacker might be biased (one of our team members lives in the area), but the bias is justified.

The stadium sits basically downtown, so you can grab breakfast at Pike Place Market, wander the waterfront, walk over to watch the match, and then experience the city some more afterwards instead of feeling like you’re trapped in a stadium car park for the day. The city also takes football seriously, as far as American cities go, with their MLS club having the reputation for the loudest fans in the league.

The other big selling point is that the “outdoors” here is not a marketing line. Even without leaving the city, you have real green space and big water. If you do leave the city, you have easy access to the kind of scenery people normally only see on their laptop wallpaper. 

Seattle is not the cheapest US city, but you can do it without hemorrhaging cash if you stay in the right area and lean into the stuff Seattle does well: neighbourhood hangs and being outside. On the budget front, accommodation will sting during the tournament unless you are fine with staying out in the ‘burbs (they’re not that bad!), but transit within the city is relatively easy, and day-to-day sightseeing can be cheap if you focus on parks, water, and views.

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

A big win here is that Lumen Field is in SoDo (South of Downtown), right by downtown (it’s right there in the name), and transit hubs. That means you can stay central, take light rail, walk, or bus it, and skip the whole “two-hour rideshare queue in a car park” thing that plagues some other host cities. 

Seattle is also pretty bike-friendly, so bikeshare and scootershares are an option to get around quickly. You’ll see Bird, Lime, and others scattered around the city. A word of warning, though: there are some mean hills scattered around the city that will make you sweat if you aren’t taking advantage of an electric motor.

Fanzones in Seattle 

• Location: Seattle Center, right by the iconic Space Needle.
• Opening hours: Unconfirmed as of yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Expected to be free, with security screening and crowd-capacity controls.
• Atmosphere / what to expect: This is pitched as the biggest “everyone can show up” World Cup experience in Seattle: big-screen match broadcasts for Seattle games, festival-style programming, performances by local artists, and local food and drink. It is also worth noting the branding here: it’s a Seattle-run community celebration.

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Seattle has several pubs that do football all year round instead of every four years: The George & Dragon (Fremont), The Atlantic Crossing (Green Lake), and St. Andrew’s Pub (near Green Lake). However, those are all in neighbourhoods north of downtown. If you want to stay closer to downtown, then any good sports bar will have games on, like Buckley, Yard House, and Xtadium.

For marquee matches, show up early and have a backup pick. You’ll be competing with both visiting fans and locals who are into “soccer” more than the typical American.

Things to do in Seattle

Big city stuff or the outdoors? Seattle has you covered.

• Spend a day in West Seattle – Take the water taxi over, grab an electric scooter, and zip up and down Alki Beach. Yes, Seattle has a beach. Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, it’ll give you hypothermia even in the summer. If you’re going with a big enough group of friends, play a pickup game of beach volleyball.
• A few hours at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) – if you need a little bit of culture, this can scratch the itch. It usually has great rotating exhibits, and the permanent horror film exhibit is my personal favourite.
• Get the classic Seattle skyline view at Kerry Park – Every half-decent Seattle guide is going to tell you this, but I can’t leave it out.
• Wander Pike Place Market – The market can be overwhelming, so a tour is well worth it if you have the money to spend. We’ve done this multiple times with family 
• Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island – Walk the quaint downtown area, grab lunch, and take the ferry back
• An afternoon at the Ballard Locks – A fun, chill stop, and the sockeye salmon run should be peaking during the World Cup.
• Get out of the city – Mt. Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park are doable as (very long) day trips. North Cascades National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the US, but it needs a couple of days, given the distance from Seattle. You’ll need a car to visit these places, or you can sign up for a tour like this one. We could easily do a whole article on this bullet alone.

Food Scene

Seattle’s food is better than many people expect, especially if you like seafood, Asian food, and craft beer. The city has some of the highest food prices in the US, but you can keep things manageable if you dodge the obvious tourist traps and lean into markets, casual spots, and happy hours.

• Must try food – This will hurt New Englanders, but the best clam chowder in the world is at Pike Place Chowder (pro tip: order the day before and pick up instead of waiting for literal hours in line); salmon; dungeness crab; sushi; teriyaki (Seattle has its own thing going on here, and yes, it counts as local food)
• Places to eat – Wander around stalls in Pike Place Market and try a few things; International District/Chinatown for dumplings and bánh mì; Shiro’s Sushi if you want to splurge

Where to Stay in Seattle

In an ideal world, you’d stay downtown, in Pioneer Square, or in Belltown and walk everywhere. In World Cup reality, the prices in those areas are genuinely absurd.

The good news is that Seattle is one of the few US host cities where staying farther out isn’t terribly inconvenient, because the Link light rail runs into the suburbs north and south of the city (and hopefully east out to Redmond by the time the World Cup starts) and drops you within walking distance of Lumen Field. There’s also a train that goes to Tacoma in about an hour. Tacoma has some interesting things to do in its own right and will be much cheaper than Seattle, but still not a complete bargain.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Moore Hotel – It’s in Belltown, a fun neighbourhood, and is currently pretty reasonably priced. Ok, there are so-so reviews, but we’re here for the football. 
• Hostel: Hostel Fish – Also in Belltown and highly reviewed, with a mix of dorm rooms and private rooms. 
• Airbnb: A room in Tacoma – A room in a beautiful house with a fully furnished kitchen with views over the mountains.

Dallas, Texas, USA – AT&T Stadium

City Overview 

Dallas is big, bold and the epitome of the Texan attitude. It’s not entirely traveller-friendly, and you’ll either need to rent a car or rely on Uber to get around to make the most of your time here. Although transport to the stadium at least is decent. 

Having said that, it makes up for its lack of public transport with plenty of free attractions and enough BBQ meat to feed all 1,248 players going to the WC for a lifetime! It’s also a hell of a lot more affordable than some of the other US-based host cities and offers a completely different vibe. 

While travelling in Dallas, it’s going to be pumping, Texas style, during the World Cup. Expect things to be loud, brash and unashamedly American down here. Expect a few “Yee-Haws!”, Tailgate celebrations which include parking lot grilling, beers and music alongside honky-tonk bars, cowboy hats and flag waving! 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

As I mentioned above, Dallas really is a city where you need your own transport or at least a large enough budget to pay for taxis and Uber. However, the city is putting on a specifically organised World Cup shuttle to the stadium. But be aware, regular public transport isn’t a good alternative. 

Fanzones in Dallas 

• Location: The official FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas will be held at Fair Park. This is easily accessible by public transport on the DART light rail (Green Line).  
• Opening hours: The Fan Festival will run daily from June 11 to July 19, and opening hours are expected to be 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. 
• Cost/entry rules: Entrance is expected to be free, but organisers might require preregistration and QR codes for crowd control. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Interactive football experiences, big screens showing all games, food vendors and other live entertainment. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Aside from the fan festival, Dallas is a city with plenty of high-energy sports bars, which will be absolutely buzzing during the World Cup; many of them also have outdoor areas with large screens too. 

Recommendations include: The Londoner (Addison), Harwood Tavern (Downtown), The Nodding Donkey (Uptown), Frankie’s Downtown, Chop Sports Victory Park, Tailgaters Sports Bar, Game bar & Grill (Lake Highlands), The Avenue Sports Grill (Lower Greenville). Other options include Texas Live! And Soccer Spectrum, which aren’t bars, but dedicated event spaces. 

Things to do in Dallas

Whilst Dallas might not have the world-famous sights of places like LA and NYC, it has its own fair share of interesting places to visit that aren’t as overhyped as those in more traditionally tourist-heavy cities. 

• Visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – This fascinating museum charts the life, presidency, and assassination of JFK.
• Wander the Dallas Arts District – One of the largest arts districts in the US, check out the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the AT&T Performing Arts Center whilst here. 
• Explore Deep Ellum – This fun neighbourhood is the birthplace of Dallas’ blues and jazz scene and offers great independent shops, bars, and cafes.  
• Reunion Tower ‘GeO-Deck’ – Head to the top of this uniquely shaped building for incredible views over Dallas, it’s especially charming at sunset. 
• Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden – If you’re looking for some chilled downtime after all that excitement, then you’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll around one of Dallas’ most beautiful outdoor spaces. 

Food Scene

Dallas is all about BBQ and Tex-Mex, and here they don’t do things by halves. Expect big portions and even bigger flavours! However, there are quite a few pretty affordable places to eat, including food trucks and affordable restaurants in Dallas. 

• Must try food – Texas Barbecue – Smoky brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey with classic sides (beans, slaw, pickles). TexMex – Queso, enchiladas, fajitas, breakfast tacos, and enchiladas. Chicken-fried steak. 
• Places to eat – Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum), Fuel City Tacos, Lockhart Smokehouse (Bishop Arts / Cedars), Velvet Taco, Fuel City Market, Ellen’s Southern Kitchen (Downtown). If you’re a veggie, then try Hippie Hollow Barbecue and BBQ Revolution. 

Where to Stay in Dallas

Downtown is your best bet for where to stay in Dallas if you want to mix a bit of tourist time with heading to the stadium for the games. Here you’ll find plenty of dining options, shuttles to the stadium and plenty of things to do. However, if you want to be super close to the stadium, then some hotels in Arlington are actually within walking distance. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dallas – It’s a Hyatt Regency, you know what to expect, it’s clean, centrally located, has a pool and a gym. All boxes ticked! 
• Hostel: SOVA Micro –  They don’t have dorms, but they do have “Sangria Social Hour”, which is basically a hotel for people who want to hang. Highly reviewed. 
• Airbnb: Luxury 1BD | DT Dallas – This unit has a kitchen and laundry facilities and can potentially sleep 4, so ideal for families or small groups.

Houston, Texas, USA – NRG Stadium

City Overview 

You might be thinking, two cities in Texas, what gives and what makes them different? Well, where Dallas is the All-American, bigger than life, Texas you might have always imagined, Houston is a totally different vibe, here it’s all about multiculturalism, cuisines from all corners of the globe, and arts and science attractions. 

Houston still offers that characteristic Southern hospitality, but it feels much more like a global city. In fact, having the NASA Space Center here, it almost feels like this city extends beyond even the Earth’s boundaries. 

Houston might have a more lowkey, and not so brash vibe as Dallas, but the folks here are just as passionate about their sports, and you can guarantee that come kick off, it’s gonna be poppin! 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Houston’s public transport is limited compared to cities like NYC, but it’s quite a bit better than places like Dallas. In terms of getting to the stadium and exploring central areas, it’s well covered, but outside of that, getting around is a little trickier. 

Fanzones in Houston

• Location: The fanzone in Houston will be held in East Downtown near the Shell Energy Stadium (which is a different stadium from where the games are being held). 
• Opening hours: The fanzone will be open from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Hours are not officially confirmed yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Expected to be free. Standard bag checks and security are expected. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: All matches on big screens, festival-like atmosphere with food and drinks, live music and interactive events. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Aside from the Fan Festival, there are a bunch of great bars and pubs offering different vibes for you to enjoy the games in. 

Some I recommend are Pitch 25 Beer Park (East Downtown), Truck Yard Houston (East Downtown), 8th Wonder Brewery (East Downtown), Christian’s Tailgate (Washington Ave), Kung Fu Saloon (Washington Ave), Griff’s Irish Pub (Midtown) and The Rustic (Midtown). 

There are also outdoor viewing events in Discovery Green, Market Square Park and City Centre. 

Things to do in Houston

Houston is an interesting city when it comes to things to do; it’s a place that is full of contrasts and surprises. It’s got an energetic and yet laid back atmosphere that I feel complements the energy of a World Cup. 

• NASA’s Space Center Houston – You’ve heard the famous “Houston, we have a problem” line right… We think this is the home of Mission Control and a must-visit.
• Houston Museum District – If museums are your thing, then you’ll be in your element exploring the 19 different museums in this area, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Contemporary Arts Museum. 
• Explore Buffalo Bayou Park – Get out of the city and hike, rent a bike or kayak and enjoy this scenic park with great views over the Houston skyline. 
• EaDo (East Downtown) Art & Street Culture – If trying out different breweries, music venues and murals is your thing, then you’ll love this area of Houston. 
• Wander around Montrose – This neighbourhood is known for its quirky cafes, independent shops and overall hipster vibe. 

Food Scene

As I mentioned before, Houston is super diverse, and that is reflected in its cuisine. Here you can start your day with Nigerian food, have some Vietnamese fare for lunch and round it all off with a beer and some BBQ, classic Texan style. Whatever you’re after, you can find it here in all its authentic glory. 

• Must try food – Texas BBQ (Brisket, ribs, sausage, and smoked chicken), Tex-Mex, Vietnamese-Cajun (yes, it’s a thing), Pho, Gulf Seafood, Kolaches (Czech-inspired pastries), and Chicken & Waffles! 
• Places to eat – The Pit Room, Ninfa’s on Navigation, Pho Binh Trailer, Rosie Cannonball, Shipley Do-Nuts, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Verdine (veggie BBQ).

Where to Stay in Houston

The EaDo (East Downtown) area is all around the best place to stay in Houston for those wanting to mix up watching games as well as exploring. It’s close to where the Fan Festival will take place, as well as the DART (METRORail) for getting to the stadium and around the city. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Wanderstay Boutique Hotel – This trendy boutique hotel offers access to a shared kitchen, picnic area and onsite parking.
• Hostel: MyCrib Houston Hostel – A highly reviewed hostel set in a cosy converted house with a kitchen and garden.
• Airbnb: The GREEN Tiny House – A cute tiny home in a rehabbed 1940 colonial style homestead with a kitchenette and small outdoor area.

Kansas City, Missouri, USA – Arrowhead Stadium

City Overview 

Kansas City… which isn’t in Kansas, FYI, might be called an underrated city in the US. Whilst the city will surely swell during the World Cup, it’s expected to still be much more chilled than many of the other host cities, such as LA, NYC and Miami, that will be overflowing. So if you’re looking for a buzz without the hordes, then KC might be the place for y’all! 

Here you’ll find friendly and open Mid-west energy where the smell of BBQ and the sounds of Jazz fill the air instead of beeping and hollering! But that doesn’t make the folks here any less passionate, oh, nah, these people know how to throw a true red and blue party, and during the World Cup it’s going to be going off! 

Kansas City might also provide a totally different vibe for those who have only visited more popular destinations in the United States, too. While KC is normally a budget-friendly city, current accommodation prices around match dates sadly don’t reflect that. 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Public transport in KC is pretty limited, like a lot of US cities. However, it has improved over the last few years. They do have the free KC Streetcar, which is ideal for sightseeing. Getting to the stadium, though, is another story, equivalent to a day trip. There is talk of hotels running stadium shuttles, but nothing is confirmed just yet.

Fanzones in Kansas City 

• Location: The FIFA Fan Festival in KC will be held on the south lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. 
• Opening hours: Exact hours are not published yet, but it’s expected to show all games in Kansas, including the US national team at least, and possibly all other games. 
• Cost/entry rules: Expected to be free but limited to 25k fans at a time, so pre-registration might be required. There will also be a premium paid for experience. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Lively festival-like atmosphere with performances, interactive events and a family-friendly and inclusive space. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Besides the big screens at the official fan festival, Kansas City has some great sports bars as well as outdoor watching parties. Recommended bars to check out are: No Other Pub (Power & Light), KC Live! Block (Power & Light), KC Bier Co. (Waldo) and Strange Days Brewing (River Market). Plus, check out pop-up events in North Kansas City. 

Things to do in Kansas City

Exploring Kansas City is a true Midwestern experience. From exploring historic districts to local breweries or a scenic ride on the Missouri River, KC is a chill yet passionate city to visit. 

• National WWI Museum and Memorial – Learn about the city and US involvement in WW1, plus great views over the city. 
• Take a boat trip on the Missouri River – Escape the crowds and check out the city skyline on a relaxing trip on this iconic US river. 
• Boulevard Brewing Company Tour – Take a tour and sample some of the best local craft beers, and learn about the process of brewing. 
• Kansas City Jazz District – Visit the home of Jazz and learn all about its roots at the American Jazz Museum. 
• Hang out in the Country Club Plaza – With Spanish-style architecture, iconic KC fountains and plenty of great shopping and dining options, it’s a place locals visit often. 

Food Scene

Like many places in the Central and Southern region of the US, KC is famous for its barbecue, but beyond that, you’ll also find plenty of incredible Midwestern comfort food options that you just have to try while visiting. 

• Must try food – Kansas City-Style BBQ (Brisket, burnt ends, ribs), Fried Chicken, Midwestern comfort food (Biscuits and Gravy, Cornbread, Baked Beans, Cheese Curds), BBQ Burnt Ends Sandwich and Beer-Battered Snacks. 
• Places to eat – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Stroud’s, Westport Café, Gates Bar-B-Q, The Capital Grille and The Mixx (for veggie mid-west classics) 

Where to Stay in Kansas City

The Downtown / Power & Light District is the best area to stay if you want to mix up going to games with exploring the city. It’s a walkable area with plenty of places to stay, restaurants and likely access to shuttle services to the stadium. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Hotel Indigov – This stunning hotel features a fitness centre, restaurant, and bar and is within walking distance of the river.
• Hostel: Holiday Inn Kansas City – There are no hostels in Kansas City, but the cheapest place with decent reviews is the Holiday Inn. Ya know, it’s a Holiday Inn!
• Airbnb: Apartment in Downtown Kansas City – A modern apartment in the heart of downtown with a kitchen on the 21st floor with sweeping views across the city.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

City Overview 

Wayyy down in the Deep South, Atlanta punches way above its weight when it comes to charm, atmosphere and hospitality. Trust me, this place is gonna be rockin’ during the World Cup. It’s got a different sorta vibe than many other cities on this list, with its cultural sights being centred around such things as the civil rights movement, influential Black arts and a modern creative scene including music, film and TV. 

Atlanta is also one of the more affordable US cities and often flies under the radar when it comes to tourism. You’re more likely to have an authentic experience here than in other cities that are drowned in tourists year-round. Plus, there are heaps of cheap eats, free attractions, decent public transport Downtown and plenty of walkable neighbourhoods. 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Atlanta is a city that has an OK public transport network. Locals often require a car to get about, but the main areas where the airport, Downtown and the stadium are, are all covered pretty well at least. 

Rideshares will likely surge and become more expensive and busy on matchdays, and traffic will likely be bad. Bear this in mind and consider taking public transport, but set off early. From downtown, e-bikes and scooters are also an option if the weather is fine.

Fanzones in Atlanta 

• Location: The official fan zone in Atlanta will be held at Centennial Olympic Park. 
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM until late evening during the tournament. 
• Cost/entry rules: Free entry. Security screening is in place. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Festival-like vibe with music and entertainment, family-friendly areas, but more rowdy when matches start. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

The fanzone in Atlanta will host huge outdoor screens showing live matches, which are accessible for free. However, space will be limited for safety reasons, so get there early. 

If you prefer something indoors with a pumping but more intimate vibe, then check out the many sports bars in Atlanta. Some of which come recommended are: Hudson Grille, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, Hudson Grille Centennial Park in Downtown or The Painted Duck, East Atlanta Beer Company, or The Vortex in Buckhead & East Atlanta. 

Things to do in Atlanta

There are heaps to do outside of the games in Atlanta; here are some of my favourites. 

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Explore MLK’s birthplace, church, and the King Center. 
• The Atlanta BeltLine – A multi-use trail connecting several neighbourhoods. It’s great for walking, biking or renting an e-scooter. 
• Piedmont Park – Save your pennies and explore the green heart of Atlanta. 
• Little Five Points – Explore this quirky neighbourhood on foot and dive into the local shops, live music and street art scene. 
• Black Arts Trail – Visit the murals, shops and cultural markets celebrating black creativity in Atlanta. 

Food Scene

The food scene in Atlanta is surprisingly diverse, with a range of dishes to try, from international to southern comfort classics. It’s also got a great array of affordable places to eat. 

• Must try food – Southern comfort food (fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens, biscuits, gravy) 
• Places to eat – Mary Mac’s Tea Room, The Varsity, Busy Bee Café, Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Food Hall). 

Where to Stay in Atlanta 

Downtown is by far the best area to stay in for both getting to the stadium and the fanzone, as well as for exploring the city. It’s got the best public transport, plenty of bars and cheap eats, plus easy to explore on foot.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Voco The Darwin – A well-located, well-reviewed hotel in Midtown with a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant.
• Hostel: Stone Mountain Manor – A B&B instead of Hostelworld. We haven’t stayed there; it’s far from the stadium, will likely book out quickly, but it has great reviews.
• Airbnb: Chic Downtown ATL Studio – This light and airy 9th-floor condo has a balcony and small kitchen, plus it’s close to the Stadium and MARTA.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA – Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)

City Overview 

Travelling to Boston means experiencing one of America’s most historic and walkable cities. With its cobblestone streets, colonial-era brick architecture, world-class universities and excellent public transport system, you’ll almost be forgiven for thinking you’re in Europe. Boston might be old, but it’s an innovative city too, which combines culture, civic pride and a lively modern charm all of its own. 

History here isn’t just about throwing tea into the harbour either; Boston has lived and breathed sports for over 100 years. Sure, they might be more used to singing “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway, or “Here Come the Bruins” for the mighty black and gold, but they know how to get the atmosphere going like no other city in the US. 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Boston has a decent set-up when it comes to public transport, though the stadium is a little out of the way. The city, however, is putting on shuttle buses from the nearest train station, but you should factor this into your travel time.

Parking at the stadium is a nightmare, and rideshares might be hard to come by. So either take public transport or get dropped off slightly away from the stadium.

Fanzones in Boston

• Location: The Boston fanzone is yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to be between Boston Common and City Hall Plaza. 
• Opening hours: They’re to be confirmed, but expected to be from 10 am till late. 
• Cost/entry rules: It’s expected that entry will be free, but with high security. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Fans in Boston can expect a central location with big screens, a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of food and drink vendors. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

If ever there was a city set up for watching the game without a ticket, then it would be Boston; its sports bar scene is the stuff of legends. Whilst the fanzone is a good shout, you might want the raucous and rough nature of a bar, or a more intimate cafe setting. 

Recommendations include The Banshee (Dorchester), The Greatest Bar (West End / near North Station), Caffè dello Sport (North End), Phoenix Landing (Cambridge) or Cask ‘n Flagon (Fenway / Kenmore). 

Things to do in Boston

Boston is one of the best cities to visit in the US if you’re looking for culture and things to do. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit. 

• Walk the Freedom Trail – This 4 km/2.5-mile route allows you to take in 16 historic sites, including Faneuil Hall, Boston Common and the USS Constitution.
• Tour Fenway Park – As a sports fan, visiting America’s oldest MLB stadium is a must.
• Explore the North End (Little Italy) – Among the narrow streets, you’ll find some of Boston’s best food. Also, check out the Paul Revere House here, too. 
• Walk the Charles River Esplanade – This scenic urban park offers impressive views of the skyline. 
• Wander Harvard Square & Harvard Yard – This historic yet trendy area is not only home to the world-famous university, but also heaps of independent shops, cafes and bookstores. 

Food Scene

Boston is all about the seafood, being so close to the harbour. But don’t sleep on the great Italian food the city has to offer, as well as other classics such as the Boston cream pie. 

• Must try food – Clam chowder, lobster rolls, oysters, and fried clams, plus Cannoli & Italian Pastries. 
• Places to eat – Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall, Boston Public Market, North End (Little Italy), Sam LaGrassa’s, Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House. 

Where to Stay in Boston

The Downtown area is by far the best area of Boston to stay in if you’re looking to combine football with sightseeing. It’s got easy access to historic sights, restaurants, public transport and likely the fanzone. South Station is going to be a hub for those travelling to games and around the city, which is conveniently located in this area. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton – It’s a Hilton, it’s comfortable, clean, well reviewed and offers a lot for the money in the expensive Downtown area. 
• Hostel: HI Boston – A highly recommended hostel in Boston, close to public transport and offering beds with curtains in the dorms, it’s a great budget option.
• Airbnb: Sleek Studio Apartment – This bright and compact studio offers a kitchen and is located in a historic building in a great area of the city.

Miami, Florida, USA – Hard Rock Stadium

City Overview 

If you’re looking for a party by the coast with a touch of Latino flair, then Miami is the town for you. It’s hot, it’s sunny, and it’s going to be going OFF! But at least you’ve got a beach or two to rest up on before hitting the Miami nightlife scene again! If lively is your thing, then Miami is where you’ll find it. The energy is pretty much unmatched. 

But it’s not all just beachside parties and palm tree-lined streets (though that is a big part of it, I won’t lie), Miami also has a cultured side too! From Art Deco buildings, dancing to Salsa beats or escaping to the Everglades, Miami is a city that just keeps on giving and in so many ways. 

From puffin’ on Cuban cigars to sipping a Mojito on the beach, heading to Miami during the World Cup is guaranteed to be a whirlwind experience you’ll never forget. You just might want to stay for a vacation afterwards! 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Public transport in Miami is pretty mixed. It has Metrorail, trolleys, trams and buses that connect areas like Downtown, Brickell, and Miami Beach. Getting to the stadium, on the other hand, isn’t easy via public transport, though there are some buses and expected shuttles.

Fanzones in Miami

• Location: The fanzone is expected to be located in Bayfront Park. 
• Opening hours: The fanzone is expected to be open 3-4 hours before kick-off and 1-2 hours afterwards. 
• Cost/entry rules: Entry will be free, but expect to have bags searched and bans on large luggage. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Large screens showing games, a festival atmosphere, food vendors and family-friendly activities. 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Of course, the Fanzone is the main area to watch the game if you don’t have a ticket, but numbers can be limited, and it’s not everyone’s vibe. Instead, there are plenty of great sports bars and pubs to head to. 

Some I recommend are: LIV (South Beach), Mango’s Tropical Café (South Beach), Ball & Chain (Little Havana), American Social (Brickell), Grails Miami (Wynwood). 

Things to do in Miami

Miami might be all about partying, heading to the beach… and partying on the beach! But there are a whole bunch of other things to do here, some of which might surprise many folks looking to visit. 

• Chill on South Beach & Ocean Drive – Relax on some of the most iconic white sand beaches of Miami and stroll along the colourful Art Deco streets. 
• Dance your way through Little Havana – Embrace the Cuban culture of Miami and explore this lively neighbourhood, don’t forget to indulge in the food and drinks either. 
• Everglades Airboat Tour – Take a break from the craziness of the city and head out to get a close look at some of Florida’s native wildlife, such as alligators, turtles and tropical birds.
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – Check out this stunning Italian-style villa and gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay, another great way to relax in Miami. 
• Wander Wynwood Walls – This colourful area is home to an open-air gallery and museum of murals done by artists from all over the world. It’s also a cool spot to hit up a trendy cafe or brewery. 

Food Scene

The food scene in Miami is heavily influenced by the Latino communities that call it home. From Cuban classics to Caribbean cuisine, you can expect bold flavours with attitude and plenty of crossover dishes too. Here you can find fine dining and budget street vendors, so you won’t miss out even if you’re a broke backpacker!

• Must try food – Cuban Sandwich, Cafecito (Cuban Coffee), Arepas, Ceviche, Stone Crab, Frita Cubana and Tostones & Maduros.  
• Places to eat – Versailles (Little Havana), El Mago de las Fritas (West Miami), La Camaronera (Little Havana), Sanguich de Miami (Little Havana), Las Olas Café (South Beach) and Love Life Café (Wynwood) (Plant-based). 

Where to Stay in Miami

The area of Downtown Miami / Brickell is the ideal place to stay if you want to combine heading to the games with sightseeing. It’s one of the only areas with decent public transport links, and it’s likely many shuttles will be leaving from here. If you prefer to be near the coast, then Miami Beach is a decent backup option, which will also likely have a shuttle service. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Fortune House – You got a pool, you’re near the water and a metro station, plus a fitness centre and sauna, winner!
• Hostel: Miami River Inn – More of a guesthouse than a hostel, it is in a converted house and offers a pool as well as an on-site bar.
• Airbnb: City View Studio – This cool spot features a decently sized kitchen plus an outdoor terrace and hammock. It’s a great spot to chill after a big game.

New York / New Jersey, USA – MetLife Stadium

City Overview 

New York City needs little introduction. A city so important on a global scale that it’s often mistaken for the capital of the US. A city so influential that it was selected to host the World Cup final in July.

Well, sort of. The stadium is actually located in neighbouring New Jersey, but hosts the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, which gives both states a claim over it.

Anyway, where do we start with New York? The city that never sleeps offers iconic landmarks such as Times Square, endless entertainment on Broadway, the famous financial district Wall Street, the world-renowned Statue of Liberty, non-stop nightlife, virtually every cuisine you can possibly think of… the list goes on and on.

And don’t sleep on New Jersey either. The Jersey Shore is full of beaches, boardwalks and amusement arcades. Atlantic City is a place where you won’t get bored any time soon!

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Public transport in New York is some of the best in the whole of the US, so getting around is pretty easy. Having said that, the stadium is actually in New Jersey, which does add a layer of complexity, but it’s still fairly easy.

Fanzones in New York/New Jersey

• Location: Liberty State Park in New Jersey will host the FIFA Fan Festival. It’s located alongside the river, opposite New York City, and very close to the Statue of Liberty.
• Opening hours: Unconfirmed as of yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Unconfirmed as of yet. Expect tight security. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Expect large screens, food vendors and a festival-like atmosphere.

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

The Fan Festival will have many big screens. But if you don’t fancy that, then you won’t find any shortage of sports bars in the Big Apple.

Carragher’s Bar is located 3 blocks down from City Park, and is a great spot for watching games, if you’re able to stomach the Liverpool FC theme…

The Football Factory at Legends has 20 big screens to watch the game, and is located right by the Empire State Building. It also has a hefty food menu to choose from.

Smithfield Hall NYC in Midtown Manhattan, Beckett’s Bar & Grill in Downtown Manhattan, and the Soccer Tavern in Brooklyn are great options too. Whilst the Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden is a great spot, if you’d rather watch from New Jersey.

Things to do in New York / New Jersey

They don’t call NYC “the city that never sleeps” for no reason. There’s always something going on in America’s most famous city, and New Jersey has a fair amount to offer, too.

• Soak up the atmosphere in Times Square – The vibrant and bustling hub of NYC is not to be missed. Walk amongst the bright lights and spend some time watching the many street entertainers who make Times Square their stage.
• Check out a Broadway musical – Broadway is the pinnacle of the musical world, and if that’s something you enjoy, then this is somewhere you cannot miss.
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – Take a stroll for free across this iconic bridge for an amazing view over the city, if you want, explore DUMBO and walk back across the Manhattan Bridge.
• See the Statue of Liberty from a boat – You can take a ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan and see the Statue of Liberty from the water. Try and do this at sunset for the best possible views!
• Enjoy the vibes of Central Park – Central Park is a huge part of New York City’s charm. It’s easy to get lost amongst the sprawling walkways whilst listening to musicians play, and recognising spots from famous movies such as Ghostbusters, Home Alone 2 or Elf.
• Experience the beaches and nightlife of Atlantic City – I could make a 1,000-point list of things to do in New York, and still have many more to add, but New Jersey deserves some love, too. And New York’s neighbour is best known for Atlantic City, where you can chill on the beaches by day before soaking up the lively nightlife after dark.

Food Scene

If a type of food exists, then you can probably find it in New York City. But the magnificent metropolis on America’s East Coast is best known for its hole-in-the-wall pizza spots as well as bagels and other bites you can grab on the go.

• Must try food – With a significant Italian immigrant population, New York unsurprisingly has incredible pizza. Grab some from a takeaway spot and taste one of NYC’s favourite budget bites.
• Places to eat – Le Veau d’Or (French cuisine), Joe’s Pizza Broadway (Budget pizza), Sylvia’s (Southern comfort food), Astoria Seafood (Seafood), The Best Sichuan (Chinese)

Where to Stay in New York / New Jersey

If you’re looking for budget accommodation, forget New York City, although it does have hostel options to choose from. I stayed in Plainfield before, which is a bit of a commute from NYC, but great value for money.

If you’re just coming in for the game and not spending time in the city, you should just stay in New Jersey to save money and time getting to and from the stadium.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Feather Factory Hotel – Located in Brooklyn, it’s a no-frills spot with good transport links and great reviews at a reasonable price.
• Hostel: HI New York City Hostel – Located in a historic building just 2 blocks from the nearest subway, it’s one of the highest-rated hostels in New York.
• Airbnb: Chic City Retreat – A spacious apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen just over in New Jersey, but 15 minutes from Times Square on public transport.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA – Lincoln Financial Field

City Overview 

Philadelphia is one of the most underrated cities in the US, in my opinion. It’s just a short train ride from NYC and offers some of the best cultural sights in the country, alongside a vibe that feels gritty, yet friendly and above all, unique. 

Folks in Philly might almost be on a par with those in Boston when it comes to their love of sport… It’s just a shame their baseball team sucks (hey, I’m a Mets fan here!) But there’s no denying that Philadelphia is a city of passion, whether that is sports, history, cultural identity or food; they don’t do things by halves here! 

Philly is going to be absolutely buzzing during the World Cup; if ever there was a city to turn things up a notch, it’s here. But beyond the footie, there’s a surprising amount to do in Philadelphia, especially for culture vultures. It’s also significantly cheaper than Boston and NYC. 

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Lincoln Financial Field is one of the easiest sports stadiums in the US to reach via public transport from Downtown, and is located at South Philadelphia’s Sports Complex. From the Airport, things get a little more complicated. 

I recommend using public transport if you’re heading from the city centre, and from the Airport if you have time. If not, then a rideshare to a nearby point within walking distance from the stadium.

Fanzones in Philadelphia 

• Location: The Philadelphia FIFA Fan Festival will take place at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park. 
• Opening hours: Expected to be 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 
• Cost/entry rules: Free. Expect bag searches and capacity control. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: The fanzone is about 8 miles (13 km) from the stadium, but it will be showing all games on big screens 

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

As a sports-obsessed city, you’ll have no issue finding places to watch the games in Philly. 

Aside from the fanzone, which will have big screens, food and a festival vibe, there are also heaps of bars and pubs too. Some of which come highly recommended are: Xfinity Live! (South Philly), Cavanaugh’s (Rittenhouse), Fox & Hound (Center City), Tir Na Nog (Logan Square), Fado Irish Pub (Center City), Brauhaus Schmitz (South Street) or Misconduct Tavern (multiple locations). 

Things to do in Philadelphia

Philly is a city full of surprises, and there’s a whole bunch of cool things to do here that often get overlooked in favour of more popular cities. 

• See the Liberty Bell – Cast in 1752, it’s one of the most well-known symbols of American independence and civil rights. Even its crack is famous!
• Run up the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – Nothing beats throwing up your arms and doing the classic pose whilst looking out over the city. Oh, and the museum itself is well worth a visit. 
• Explore Reading Terminal Market – For food lovers, this is paradise. Make sure to sample the city’s famous cheese steak.
• Wander South Street – The alternative district of Philly offers quirky and independent shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a distinctly colourful and creative vibe. 
• Take a walk down Elfreth’s Alley – You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported back to England down this narrow cobblestoned street lined with brick terraced houses. 

Food Scene

Philly is known for classics like the cheesesteak, but the reality is that it’s a much more diverse place to eat, having amazing Italian, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern joints offering incredible dishes. 

• Must try food – Cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, roast pork sandwiches, Hoagies & Italian sandwiches, Scrapple or Breakfast Sandwiches, Water Ice / Italian Ice. 
• Places to eat – Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks, Jim’s Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, Tattooed Mom (vegan cheesesteak), Federal Donuts. 

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

The Center City / City Hall area is by far the best place to stay for football fans heading to the stadium who still want to be close to the main sights and to a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Transport from here is super easy and convenient with the NRG Station being only 10-15 minutes away by metro train. 

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Thomas Bond House – A nice B&B based in a historic building close to the Delaware River in the heart of the city.
• Hostel: Apple Hostels of Philadelphia – A fun and well-reviewed hostel in the heart of the old city with a pool table, kitchen and a social vibe.
• Airbnb: Retro Apartment – Mixing charm and modern comforts, this apartment offers a queen bed and a full kitchen in a great location.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – BC Place

City Overview 

Vancouver is a bit of a cheat code as a host city. You get a genuinely walkable core, a stadium that’s actually in the city, and for my money, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. BC Place sits on the edge of downtown near Yaletown, Gastown, and False Creek, so you can build a matchday that includes real neighbourhoods, not just a stadium district.

It’s easy to draw comparisons to its American cousin, Seattle, but its vibe is different in a good way. It’s more polished, more international, and somehow manages to be even more outdoorsy. You can do a proper city day without a car and still be on the seawall or in Stanley Park within minutes. If you want bigger adventures, the North Shore mountains are right there, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor up to Whistler is one of those routes where you end up taking photos out of a moving vehicle like a tourist, even if you swore you wouldn’t.

The one catch is cost. Vancouver does not do “cheap” as a default setting, especially in the summer. But you can keep it under control if you treat downtown like a place you spend time, not necessarily the place you sleep. SkyTrain makes it easy to stay in spots like Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, or Richmond. That way, you get the Vancouver experience without paying Vancouver’s most aggressive prices for it.

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

BC Place is about as convenient as a stadium in this World Cup gets. It sits on the edge of downtown, a short walk from Yaletown and Gastown, with the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station right nearby. That means you can base yourself somewhere sensible, move around without a car, and avoid the matchday traffic headache that comes with stadiums built in the middle of nowhere (cough cough, looking at you, Kansas City and Dallas).

Vancouver is bike-friendly and relatively flat downtown, so two wheels are a good option for moving around. Mobi by Rogers is the official public bike share program, and there are electric scooters for rent as well.

Fanzones in Vancouver

• Location: PNE Amphitheatre in Hastings Park, about 20-minute drive east of downtown. Unlike most other logistics in Vancouver, this one isn’t terribly convenient. It’s not walkable from downtown and isn’t that close to a SkyTrain station. You can take a rideshare or spend 40+ minutes on a bus.
• Opening hours: Check the official site for the full schedule that should be announced shortly
• Cost/entry rules: Entry will be free, but there will be tickets to “premium packages”, whatever that means (but we’ll keep you posted)
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Expect big screens, live music, and other tricks up Vancouver’s sleeve

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

For a proper football-first vibe, start with The Park Pub in the West End, which actively bills itself as a football spot. The Pint is the classic “close to BC Place” option and leans into the local crowd, including Whitecaps fans.

If you’re staying central and just want big screens and zero complications, Vancouver has several downtown sports bars that are basically designed for this: Library Square, Shark Club, and The Sportsbar at Rogers Arena, for starters. Good Co. Granville has leaned into World Cup-related programming (they even hosted a World Cup 2026 Final Draw watch party), which is a good sign they’ll keep doing organised football events.

Things to do in Vancouver

You can fill days here without trying too hard, especially if you like doing things that involve being outside. Vancouver does “outdoor adventures between matches” better than almost any host city because there’s good stuff right on its doorstep.

• Stanley Park and the Seawall – Walk it or rent a bike. You can even tell yourself you’ll do the whole loop before realising it’s a 10k commitment.
• Grouse Mountain and the Grouse Grind – It’s a cliché, but we’ll lose our travel blogging license if we don’t mention it. The Grind is a short and brutally steep hike, and you will earn the right to complain about it forever after. If you do the hike up, you need to pay for the download ticket down.
• Granville Island – Do the Public Market, graze, and then walk it off along the water. This is an easy half-day that feels like sightseeing, but really, you are just snacking with a view. Bonus: take the Aquabus ferry to get out on the water.
• Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia – A museum that actually feels local, and home to world-class indigenous art.
• Shipyards Night Market – Take the SeaBus over to North Vancouver and do Friday night like a local: food trucks, vendors, live music, and a beer garden. It runs Fridays, May 15 to September 11, 2026.
• Farther out: Sea-to-Sky. Highway 99 is one of my picks for the prettiest drives on the planet. Spend a day hiking or biking in Whistler, or climbing in Squamish. If you don’t have a car, outsource your logistics on a day tour.

Food Scene

Vancouver is elite for Asian food, seafood, and anything that involves fresh ingredients and a bit of smugness. It’s easy to eat well, and it’s also easy to accidentally pay C$40 for lunch because the menu said “artisanal”.

• Must try food – Anything with fresh salmon, sushi (especially aburi-style if you want the most Vancouver version of sushi), spot prawns (season typically lasts until mid-June, so early tournament fans are in luck), and dim sum.
• Places to eat – Richmond is arguably home to the best Chinese food outside of China. The easy entry point is the Richmond Night Market (generally weekends only): show up hungry, accept that you’ll wander in loops like a confused toddler, and just commit to eating three things you did not plan on. If you want one splurge meal that feels appropriately “Vancouver,” book Miku and order the aburi.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

If money were no object, you’d stay in the downtown neighbourhoods like the West End, Yaletown, or somewhere near Gastown and walk everywhere. In World Cup reality, those neighbourhoods are going to be expensive.

The good news is, Vancouver is built for staying farther out. If you book near a SkyTrain station in places like Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, or Surrey, you can still get to downtown and BC Place quickly without paying downtown prices. It will still be expensive, and the best bet for budget travellers is finding Airbnb rooms, not entire homes.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Inn at the Quay – In New Westminster, which has a pretty cool vibe for a suburb. One of the only hotels at a decent rate close to a SkyTrain station.
• Hostel: Samesun Vancouver – Very convenient location and recently renovated. There aren’t many hostels in Vancouver, so I’d expect this to book out quickly.
• Airbnb: Skytrain walkable Private queen suite – In Surrey. Sure, it’s a room instead of an entire home, but it’s currently cheap and walkable to a SkyTrain station.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – BMO Field

City Overview 

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and one of the most multicultural urban centres in the world – after all this, a place where more than half the population was born outside the country. Its vibe is kinda big-city North American, but way less intense than say NYC – super multicultural, food-obsessed, and genuinely easy to navigate without a car.

Perhaps Toronto is also best understood as a collection of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own rhythm, food scene, and identity. From the glass towers of the Financial District to the indie shops and street life of Kensington Market, the city feels broad, open, and constantly in motion, and this will be evident all summer as the World Cup kicks off.

Toronto is generally very safe by big-city standards. As ever, though, watch for petty theft in crowded areas and on late-night transit, but it’s not a “constant hassle” city for travellers.

As for the weather, well, June/July is prime time — warm days, cooler nights; bring a light jacket for evenings near the lake

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

BMO Field sits at Exhibition Place, just west of downtown. It’s very doable from the core with streetcar/GO, so no need for a car.

Fanzones in Toronto

• Location: Toronto’s official FIFA fan festival venue has been announced as Fort York National Historic Site + The Bentway (near downtown). I suspect there will be a few unofficial ones opening up, too. 
• Opening hours: Typically matchday-focused (daytime into evening). Exact hours are usually confirmed closer to the kick-off.
• Cost/entry rules: Free public entry has been stated. Do expect security checks and enforced capacity limits at peak times.
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Canadians are welcoming a bunch, so it will be inclusive and hella fun. Think big screens, mixed crowds, checked shirts and  “festival” energy — ideal if you’re ticketless or just want a central place to meet people. Note that Canada is not a huge football-loving nation, so I’d wager on a mostly non-native clientele.

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Toronto is mega-stacked with big-screen sports bars. Solid picks are Real Sports Bar & Grill (massive screen setup), The Pint Public House, Dog & Bear, Rec Room, King Taps (all strong “big game” vibes).

If you want the “public-party” feel, the safest bet is the aforementioned official Fan Festival area (Fort York / Bentway).

Things to do in Toronto

Despite being a modern city, there are a lot of sites and culture to soak up between the matches. Toronto’s the kind of city where you can smash a museum (not literally), wander a neighbourhood, and have a waterfront sunset all in the same day without rushing.

Here are our top picks for Toronto.

• CN Tower: Toronto’s most iconic landmark and still the best way to understand the scale of the city. On a clear day, you can see for miles. It’s not cheap, though. 
• Toronto Islands: A quick ferry ride from the city. The islands are green, relaxed, and perfect for cycling, picnicking, or just lying in the grass with skyline views.
• St. Lawrence Market: One of North America’s great food markets. Snacks + souvenirs + iconic food stops!
• Distillery Historic District: A beautifully restored former industrial area full of brick buildings, cafés, bars, and galleries. It’s compact, atmospheric, and easy to explore in an hour or two. Great at dusk.
• Kensington Market: Vintage, street food, people-watching
• Niagara Falls day trip: One of the most famous natural sights in North America, and surprisingly easy to reach from Toronto. You can go independently by bus or train, or join a day tour to save time. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s worth it.

Food Scene

Toronto’s food scene is one of the best in North America for budget travellers, thanks to its huge immigrant communities and casual dining culture. You don’t need proper sit-down restaurants to dine well here.

• Peameal bacon sandwich – Toronto’s signature bite is filling, cheap, and easy to find.
• Chinatown dumplings & noodle houses – think big portions, low prices, and perfect post-match food. Goes well with a beer.
• Kensington Market street food – tacos, empanadas, patties, arepas, falafel. Ideal for feasting on a budget.
• Late-night shawarma – These are everywhere downtown and a true backpacker lifesaver after a night bar hopping.

Where to Stay in Toronto

Without a doubt, Downtown Toronto / Entertainment District is the most practical base to stay for World Cup travellers. It puts you close to fanzones, sports bars, nightlife, and the best transport links to BMO Field.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Radisson Blu Downtown – It’s a chain, sure, you know what you’re getting, which includes a pool and a fitness centre at a reasonable price.
• Hostel: Planet Traveler Hostel – A classic backpacker hostel with a kitchen, dorms, and a few private rooms. It’s highly rated and has a fun vibe.
• Airbnb: Bright Studio Escape – Boasting huge windows looking out over the city, this light studio has a kitchen and a small balcony in a central location.

Guadalajara, Mexico – Estadio Akron

City Overview 

Guadalajara is a cultural gem, home to Mexican favourites such as mariachi, tequila and lucha libre. If you’re looking for authentic Mexico away from the tourist crowds (well, outside of World Cup season at least), then this is the place to be.

Guadalajara is where Mexico’s leading goalscorer, Javier Hernandez and boxer Canelo Alvarez come from.

It’s also one of the safer spots in Mexico, so you don’t have to worry too much while you’re here. Don’t let your guard down completely, of course, but Guadalajara doesn’t have the notoriety of a Tijuana, Acapulco or Ciudad Juárez.

You’ve also got some great colonial buildings in the centre, so there’s a lot to pack into your stay in this part of Mexico on top of all the football events.

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Public transport in Guadalajara is decent but not amazing. It covers most of the main areas for exploration but the stadium is a little trickier (but not impossible) to get to.

Fanzones in Guadalajara

• Location: Plaza de la Liberacion, in the centre by the Catedral de Guadalajara
• Opening hours: Unconfirmed as of yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Unconfirmed as of yet. Expect tight security. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Expect large screens, food vendors, interactive activities, and a festival-like atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

As with any World Cup host city, the best place to watch games (other than the ground) is to go to the official FIFA Fan Festival, which is in the Plaza de la Liberacion here. But failing that, you can always find a good sports bar.

Rush Sports Bar is a good option with a large screen. However, it’s a fair way from the centre, located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. SkyGamers Sports Bar is more centrally located and has screens all over, so you won’t miss any action. Nearby, Chapultepec has other great options, including Señor Stone Chapultepec and Gallo Cervecero Sportsbar.

Things to do in Guadalajara

There’s a lot to do in Guadalajara, mostly related to culture. And Mexican culture is pretty awesome, so that’s definitely a massive positive.

• Drink tequila – Guadalajara is just over an hour from Tequila, a small town that saw the birth of the world-famous spirit of the same name. Of course, this means the city has its fair share of top-quality tequila for you to enjoy.
• Watch lucha libre – Lucha libre is a favourite of locals in Guadalajara. On Tuesday nights, fighters in colourful masks will clash at the Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara, just a 10-15 minute walk from the Fan Festival.
•  Enjoy some mariachi music – Mariachi music is as authentically Mexican as it gets, and you can find mariachis in Tlaquepaque to the south of the city playing often.
• Ride around on a calandria – Horses and carriages were a popular method of getting around in the old days, and now you can experience a modernised version of this old-school transport method whilst soaking up the sights of Guadalajara.
• Shop at Mercado de San Juan de Dios – No Mexico trip is complete without an authentic market visit, and you can easily get lost in this Aladdin’s cave with trinkets, handicrafts and treats everywhere you turn. Don’t miss it!

Food Scene

Guadalajara is best known for birria, a popular stew, which is the city’s signature dish. Its cuisine is closer to what you’ll find in Mexico City than the northern Mexican offerings in Monterrey.

• Must try food – Birria (Spicy goat or beef stew, served alongside consomme soup and tortillas).
• Places to eat – La Morenita del Santuario (Mexican restaurant known for good pozole and tamales), Cuerno Andares (Upmarket food), Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas (Popular birria restaurant).

Where to Stay in Guadalajara

Look no further than the Chapultepec area for where to stay in Guadalajara, which is popular with expats, as well as nearby Colonia America. Tlaquepaque is an alternative option with awesome dining options.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: OTMÁNN Hotel Boutique – This family-friendly spot is clean, comfortable and modern with high reviews and an affordable price tag at this level of service.
• Hostel: Casita Hostel – As the name suggests, this hostel has a homely and cosy feel with a kitchen, communal areas and a social vibe.
• Airbnb: Cool apartment – This fun loft apartment comes with a small kitchen, a terrace and a unique artistic design where you’ll feel right at home.

Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio Azteca

City Overview 

Aside from being the capital and a major gateway into the country, Mexico City is a hotbed of culture, famous for boasting the highest number of museums of any city in the world.

It also has spectacular ancient ruins, cool colonial architecture, and is one of the most popular foodie cities across the Americas.

Mexico City will be a different beast compared to the American and Canadian venues. Football culture is deeply embedded in Latin America, with some of the world’s most passionate fans creating a ferocious atmosphere on matchdays.

I’ve been to games at the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle, famed for their passionate support, yet these places felt like libraries in comparison to the cauldrons of Latin America.

This will be an awesome city to visit during the World Cup, with a ton of passion and culture for a fraction of the price you’ll be paying north of the border.

The world-famous Azteca will be rocking during the tournament, where it hosted iconic moments such as Pelé lifting the World Cup in 1970 with Brazil, and Maradona’s infamous “hand of God” goal in 1986, which contributed to Argentina lifting the trophy here a week later.

Perhaps Harry Kane will be the next global icon to score here en route to winning the tournament, with England the favourites to play Mexico in the last 16 at this ground!

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Mexico City has one of the best public transport systems of all the cities hosting World Cup games, and you should find both exploring the many sights as well as getting to the stadium super easy. 

Fanzones in Mexico City

• Location: The designated FIFA Fan Festival with large screens and entertainment will be located in the Zocalo, Mexico City’s main square.
• Opening hours: Unconfirmed as of yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Unconfirmed as of yet. Expect tight security. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Expect large screens, food vendors and a festival-like atmosphere with games and entertainment.

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

Your best bet will undoubtedly be heading to the Zocalo and soaking up the atmosphere whilst watching on the big screen there.

Otherwise, Celtics Pub Irlandes (Condesa), Torito Lucas Sports Bar (Colonia Cuauhtémoc), BeerGarden Roma (Roma), the Dog House Pub (Roma) and La Cerveceria de Barrio (Various locations) are good options.

Things to do in Mexico City

The capital of Mexico is many things, but boring isn’t one of them. You can easily spend a week or two exploring the city, even outside of World Cup season.

• Check out the museums: Mexico City claims to have more museums than any other city in the world, so why not get stuck into some culture? The Palace of Fine Arts and Frida Kahlo House are among the most popular.
• Attend a lucha libre match: This form of wrestling is as typically Mexican as it comes. Head to Arena Mexico on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday for a unique local experience.
• Take a day trip to Teotihuacan: Mexico is famous for its archaeological sites, and there’s a pretty cool one you can easily reach from the capital. Check out the stone pyramids here.
• Cruise through Xochimolco: The colourful boats through the canals of Xochimolco have become a famous tourist attraction over the years. You can even hire a mariachi band to serenade you.
• Get stuck into authentic Mexican cuisine: Mexican food is popular across the globe, so where better place to try it than the capital of its homeland? Street tacos, fancy restaurants and everything in between can be found in Mexico City.

Food Scene

If you think Mexico City is a great place to tuck into tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican favourites, then you’re absolutely right. Being the capital city, it also has its fair share of international restaurants, so you’ll never go hungry here!

• Must try food – Quesadillas – tortillas filled with cheese, sometimes with other fillings, which may include meat and spices. These are served with a choice of sauces.
• Places to eat – Contramar (high-end seafood), El Vilsito (famous taqueria), Taqueria El Abanico (another popular taqueria).

Where to Stay in Mexico City

It’s best to base yourself in one of the capital’s more popular neighbourhoods, such as Polanco, Condesa or Roma Norte, which have a lot of activities going on, as well as being safe.

Recommended accommodation: 

• Hotel: Hotel Fontan Reforma – A neat hotel located close to a metro station with a stunning roof terrace, it’s a great spot for post-game beers. 
• Hostel: Apapacho – A modern hostel in a 100-year-old building, it’s got a full kitchen, co-working space and lounge area where I’m sure games will be on. 
• Airbnb: Imperial Suite – A unique place in the heart of the old town, this heritage property offers the opportunity to live like a local.

Monterrey, Mexico – Estadio BBVA

City Overview 

Monterrey is primarily an industrial centre, but don’t worry about it being boring. You have some stunning mountains surrounding the city, and a lot of cultural activities to dive into. Not only that, but Monterrey has modernised a lot to become one of Mexico’s most liveable cities.

That’s good news for World Cup tourists as it translates as “relatively safe with plenty of modern amenities, so Monterrey is a great beginner spot for those who are visiting Mexico for the first time.

And you are more of a nature lover, then Monterrey is THE place to be, with several hiking options in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains.

This city is also great for lovers of northern Mexican cuisine, where you’ll find an abundance of spices and fresh meats.

Getting to the Stadium/ Fanzone 

Monterrey has just one single metro line, which runs east to west, connecting many of the key areas of the city. However, this line is not connected to the stadium. Some buses do run, but they are pretty confusing and limited. Ubers and Taxis are your best bet here.

Fanzones in Monterrey

• Location: The FIFA Fan Festival will be located at Fundidora Park
• Opening hours: Unconfirmed as of yet. 
• Cost/entry rules: Unconfirmed as of yet. Expect tight security. 
• Atmosphere / what to expect: Expect large screens, food vendors and a festival-like atmosphere

How to Watch the Game Without a Ticket 

The best option by far will be to gather in Fundidora Park at the FIFA Fan Festival. Stay tuned for possible announcements of smaller fan parks as the tournament approaches.

Elsewhere, you have a fair few sports bars around Monterrey. El Rey Sports Bar and nearby El Gallo de Oro will be showing games in Centro, whilst Restaurante Bar El Jefe is a convenient spot right by the main bus station (Central de Autobuses de Monterrey), which makes it easy to reach from wherever you stay in Monterrey.

Things to do in Monterrey

There’s more to Monterrey than industry. The surrounding mountains make it a fun hiking destination when the weather holds up, whilst there are other activities to keep you entertained when you aren’t watching the games.

• Check out Barrio Antiguo – A quaint colonial neighbourhood that would seem more suited to colourful Oaxaca rather than industrial Monterrey. Bars, restaurants and vendors dominate the streets here.
• Go museum hopping – Monterrey has some great options for the average culture vulture. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Mexican History Museum are popular, whilst the Museo de Acero delves into Monterrey’s industrial history.
• Hike up Cerro de la Silla – A 5-hour round trip with great views once you reach the top. Unfortunately, in June and July, it can be a little weather-dependent.
• View the mountains from Mirador del Obispado – If you want to see the mountains without hiking, this viewpoint is a short walk from the Obispado Museum.
• Visit the Caves of Garcia – Just half an hour from the city, you can find these really cool caves where a guide can show you all the awesome geographic features inside.

Food Scene

Monterrey is a little different on the food front. Where Guadalajara and Mexico City serve up what would be considered more traditional Mexican cuisine, Monterrey offers more meaty cuisine.

• Must try food – Cabrito al pastor – Goat meat that has been roasted over open coals for several hours. Monterrey is particularly famous for this!
• Places to eat – El Rey de Cabrito (Popular cabrito restaurant), Mochomos Monterrey (Meat-heavy northern Mexican cuisine), Ryoshi Monterrey (Highly-rated Japanese food).

Where to Stay in Monterrey

San Pedro Garza Garcia is safe and has all the amenities you need. Valle Oriente is full of top dining options, whilst Centro Historico is right at the heart of the action. It’s also close to the FIFA Fan Festival. Monterrey has a ton of cute Airbnbs I recommend checking out.

• Hotel: Hotel Kavia Monterrey. – This modern hotel is in the heart of the city with great views over the surrounding mountainside. It’s also close to public transport. 
• Hostel: My Family In Monterrey. – A no-frills hostel in a converted house with a fully equipped kitchen where you’re encouraged to get to know fellow guests. 
• Airbnb: Hacienda Tapia. – Located right in the centre of town, this cool studio offers a kitchen, a loft bedroom and an outdoor space.

World Cup 2026 Guide: Traveller Planning Advice

Ok, now you’ve got the lowdown on all the different host cities for the World Cup 2026. So I’m going to go into a bit more detail. This way you can more easily plan your trip around your interests, ease of travel and other practical concerns. 

World Cup 2026 Guide: Choosing Which Cities to Visit

If you’re following your team around, your itinerary is basically decided for you. You go where they go, you plan your days around kickoff times, and you end up getting surprisingly opinionated about stadium logistics.

But if you’re planning the trip around the overall World Cup experience, you’ve got a different (and honestly better) problem: you get to pick cities based on the kind of trip you actually want. In this section, I’ve divided up all 16 host cities by different interests. That way, if you can only hit a couple, you can choose the ones that suit you best. Or you can mix it up and go from a party city to somewhere you can do a relaxing post-match hike.

Best for nightlife –

• Miami (USA) – Always bangin’ with Latino beats and beachfront bars. It’s one of the liveliest cities in the US if you’re looking for a party. From casual bars to upscale clubs, it’s got it all. 
• New York / New Jersey (USA) – New York is absolutely unmatched when it comes to nightlife, from upmarket swanky bars in Manhattan to grimy basement clubs in Queens and hipster hangouts in Brooklyn. Whether you’re looking for a comedy club to laugh away your football-related woes, rooftop bars, or underground live music, it’s all happening, all week and within easy reach of the subway. 

Best for budget travellers –

• Guadalajara (Mexico) – For those on a backpacking budget, heading down to Mexico is by far the most economical way to experience the tournament. Guadalajara offers a huge amount of culture and things to do for the cost. 
• Kansas City (USA) – This was initially on the list for budget travellers given The Broke Backpacker team’s previous history with the city. After researching accommodation for the World Cup, we can no longer keep it here.

Best for culture –

• Mexico City (Mexico) – Founded over 700 years ago as Tenochtitlán, it’s at the heart of culture and history in Mexico, both pre and post-Columbian. 
• Philadelphia (USA) – The former capital of the US, Philly punches above its weight when it comes to history and culture in the US. Here you can see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other Revolutionary War sites.
• Boston (USA) – If Philly is where the US was founded, Boston is where the revolution really got rolling. It’s dense, walkable, and packed with history you can easily see, plus great museums and a classic “old American city” feel that you don’t get in most of the country.

Best for beaches –

• Miami (USA) – The only host city with water warm enough to swim in without yelping. For classic Miami scenes, hit South Beach, but for something a little calmer try Surfside or Sunny Isles. If you want more space and fewer “look at me” vibes, head down to Key Biscayne for Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
• Los Angeles (USA) – LA is home to iconic and easily accessible beaches like Santa Monica and Venice. For those willing to travel, there are also plenty of off-the-beaten-track beaches to discover. 
• Vancouver (Canada) – Vancouver might be a surprise in this category, but for those looking for less developed, natural beaches with scenic mountainous backdrops, this Canadian city delivers and more on all fronts, especially places like Kitsilano, English Bay Beach and Jericho Beach Park. Now, it’s gonna be chilly here for swimming, but some folks might enjoy that! 

Best for nature enthusiasts – 

• Vancouver (Canada) – The access to an incredible outdoor playground is unmatched in this lineup. Seriously, for those who love the outdoors, you’ve got mountains, ocean, forests, beaches, and lakes all on your doorstep… for example, Whistler, which isn’t just for the winter months. It’s one of those rare cities where you can head out and go hiking, kayaking, climbing or wild swimming, only a hop, skip and a jump from downtown. 
• Seattle (USA) – Surrounded by Mount Rainier, Discovery Park, the Cascades, Puget Sound, and Lake Washington, there’s a vast and varied amount of things to do near Seattle if you love the outdoors, and all of it is pretty accessible if you have transport. 
• San Francisco (USA) – The Bay Area’s outdoor flex is the coastline, though the mountains aren’t far. Wind-whipped headlands, cypress trees, and beaches you’ll mostly admire in a jacket are part of the deal. Do Point Reyes for the rugged drama, the Marin Headlands for the classic bridge-and-ocean shots, and Muir Woods for some wooded serenity. If you have the time, the getaways are ridiculous: Yosemite, Tahoe, Big Sur, and Napa are all on the menu.

Best for stadium atmosphere – 

• Monterrey (Mexico) – Mexicans are loco for football, and in Monterrey they are especially known for loud, colourful and passionate crowds who treat the beautiful game as a religion. Expect drums, chants, cheering and grown men crying! 
• Seattle (USA) – Seattle is one of the few US hosts where football culture is already baked in. Sounders matchdays are loud, organised, and genuinely intimidating by MLS standards, and that energy carries over when big international crowds roll into town. There’s a reason Seattle landed a US match: the atmosphere is basically a guarantee. Expect chants, drums, scarves everywhere, and a stadium that actually feels like it’s there to make noise.

Best for Foodies – 

• Mexico City (Mexico) – Mexico City is one of the world’s most renowned cities when it comes to food, from the best street tacos you’ll ever taste to elevating Mexican cuisine to an award-winning fine dining experience, it’s all here at an affordable price. Here you can also sample many regional dishes from around the entire country that aren’t part of your regular Americanised line-up of Taco Bell dishes! 
• New York / New Jersey (USA) – No other city on earth does diversity like New York. You can get it all here in the city that never sleeps. From iconic NYC stables like pizzas, bagels and reuben sandwiches, to authentic meals from all corners of the globe, all made by generations of immigrants, each bringing with them a slice of home. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a cheap meal, NYC has good food for any budget. 

Best for First-Time Visitors / Easy to Explore –

• Toronto (Canada) – If you’re looking for a more low-key city for your first time, Toronto, with its easy-to-use and simple public transport, friendly locals, and walkable centre, is the perfect gateway to more intense experiences. 
• New York/New Jersey (USA) – New York is a great city for first-timers, it’s got an extensive subway that’s super easy to use and is jam-packed full of iconic bucket list sights. NYC is somewhere you just have to experience at least once. 

Cities only to visit if your team is playing –

These aren’t the cities we’d usually point people to if they’re choosing freely across all 16 options. But if your team is playing here, you’re not stuck. Use the guides above to nail matchday logistics, find the best areas to base yourself, and have a great time anyway.

• Kansas City (USA)  – Kansas City isn’t a “tourism city” in the way New York or Miami is, so if you want to be wowed, it wouldn’t be my first pick (or second, or third… ok, I’ll stop). But it does two things extremely well: tailgating and BBQ. If your team’s playing here, lean into the smoked meats, plan your transport ahead of time, and treat KC as a fun, low-stress stop where you can focus on the football and eat like you mean it.
• Dallas/ Houston (USA) – I’m lumping both these Texan cities together here, because whilst they do have differences, they are both joined in solidarity when it comes to heat, strip malls, and shitty public transport across a huge sprawling area that makes travelling without a car or remortgaging your house on Uber fees impossible. I mean, who designed these cities?! They aren’t postcard cities for sure, but they reward a little planning: pick a good base, sort transport, and enjoy the food.
• Atlanta (USA) – Another city I wouldn’t normally recommend for a first-timer to the US if it weren’t for this tournament. The best bits are neighbourhood-based: a good meal, a good bar, and a few specific attractions rather than a nonstop list of famous sights. Treat it like a vibes stop around your match, not a checklist city, and it will land much better.

Travelling Between World Cup Host Cities

Many of you, including myself, might have plans to hit up a few different cities over the course of the tournament to catch different fixtures or just to embrace the different vibes and cultures across the lineup. 

So with this in mind, you might be wondering about transport between each host city. Being in three different countries (and large ones at that) means that it would be wise to plan ahead as much as you can and get things locked in to avoid prices going cray cray! So this bit of the World Cup 2026 guide is all about which routes are easiest.

Domestic/ International flights –

With the World Cup being hosted across such a large area in three different countries, flights are going to be your MVP here when it comes to travelling to and between cities. And whilst transport options at times might be limited in many US cities, air travel is where this region really does excel. 

However, air travel can, of course, be one of the more costly transport options. So planning ahead and booking as soon as you can is essential. Below is a table setting out the main airports for each city/ stadium and how they stack up in terms of connections. 

Overland Travel on Public Transport –

Overland travel across the US, Mexico, and Canada isn’t always the fastest way to bounce between far-flung World Cup cities. But it can be a genuinely good option if you’re (a) travelling longer-term, (b) trying to keep costs down, or (c) sticking to the host-city clusters where bus and rail actually make sense.

There are limited but useful train routes, and a much bigger web of intercity buses. The key is to be strategic: overland works best for regional hops, not cross-country marathons. If you’re trying to go coast-to-coast in one shot, you’ll spend more time staring at highways than watching football.

That said, several host cities are relatively close to each other, so below I’ve put a table together with some recommended combinations if you’re looking at taking public transport overland between host cities for this in-depth World Cup 2026 guide. 

And if you’re extending your trip before or after the tournament, overland travel gets even better. You can build in side missions to some of the region’s best bucket-list places without constantly hopping flights, and you’ll often get a much better feel for the places in between, not just the stadiums.

Car/ Campervan rentals –

Now this is where it’s at! The US and Canada, in particular, are made for road tripping and whether you want to combine the trip of a lifetime with a few games or just take the scenic route between two cities (LA and SF, for example, is highly recommended and pretty easy going), then having a car or camper is the ultimate way to travel. 

Cross-country trips are going to take much longer than you probably think, especially if you want to actually make the most of it and see places along the way. That’s great if you plan out a bigger trip around the World Cup. 

But where the real magic lies, I feel, is in getting your own wheels and taking one of the regional suggestions from above and really getting stuck in and exploring all the offbeat areas in between, hitting up some National Parks and embracing a bit of slow travel in the midst of the chaos of an international football tournament.

Budget tips 

Alright, here are a few tips for keeping costs down and stretching your budget a bit further for this World Cup 2026 guide.

• Book early – Booking as soon as you know you’re going is the best way to minimise the costs of last-minute transport fees, which can sometimes get out of hand. Plus, things might be sold out.

• Be flexible – Travelling mid-week and being strategic about your planning can help massively. 

• Open-jaw tickets – Don’t feel like you need to fly in and out of LAX (for example), avoid backtracking by utilising different hubs and transport options

• Overnight transport – While I’m not a fan of the old red-eye, it does save a night’s accommodation when timed well and is often cheaper than other times to travel. 

• Plan your trip strategically – As above, aim to cover regions and utilise overland transport in a smaller area to keep things cheap rather than jetting cross-country. 

• Save on Accommodation – Check out things like couchsurfing, house sitting or staying out in the suburbs rather than in the more expensive downtown areas. Also consider staying in dorms in hostels if you’re a broke backpacker! If you’re looking to have a base, renting an Airbnb for the World Cup is also perfect.

World Cup 2026 Guide: The Boring (But Essential) Stuff

Ok, so we come to the not-so-fun part of planning a World Cup trip. Yeah, it’s dry, and it’s dull, but getting this right can save you serious money, stress, and heartbreak once you’re on the road.

Safety (US vs Mexico vs Canada) –

Overall, the 2026 World Cup host countries are safe for travellers, but the risks look a little different in each.

• USA:

Ok, so despite boasting the most disturbing homicide rates in the developed world, the US is generally safe, but petty crime is common in big cities – pickpocketing, phone snatching, and car break-ins. 

Violent crime is rare for tourists, but neighbourhood choice does matter here. Stick to well-lit areas at night and keep valuables zipped up.  There has also been a flurry of (government-mandated) broad-daylight kidnappings of late, and we will address this in the next section.

• Mexico:

Mexico has something of a bad rep, and to be honest, it has worked very hard to earn it. There is a full-scale drug war in certain parts of the country, and even the sanitised areas have a major issue with petty crime. 

That said, tourist areas and host cities are heavily policed during major events. Most issues travellers face are scams (oh so many scams) or petty theft, not violence. Avoid flashing valuables, use registered transport, and don’t wander drunk into unfamiliar areas late at night. In fact, be very careful at night, generally, if you want to stay safe in Mexico.

• Canada:

The safest of the three. Very low violent crime rates and excellent public services. Still, take normal precautions in crowded fan zones and transport hubs.

Visa Rules

It would be rather swell if the 3 host nations came together to offer some kinda NAFTA Vida, but sadly that has not happened, and each country has its own requirements.

Visa requirements depend on your passport and which host country you’re entering.

• USA:
  Many nationalities need either a B1/B2 visa or an ESTA (visa waiver). ESTA must be applied for in advance and approved before travel. Note that even if your ESTA is granted, you are NOT guaranteed entry, and people have been deported at the border. This is only going to become more frequent as the US Government, in its current incarnation, has just announced that it will now start screening applicants’ Social Media histories to weed out wrong thinkers. Another option is to apply for a full Visa, which is more costly/time time-consuming but should ensure you a safer passage.

• Canada:
  Most travellers need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is cheap and quick to apply for online.

• Mexico:
  Many nationalities get visa-free entry for tourism, but the length of stay varies. Mine (British Passport) was 6 months, which is incredible.

Finally, as you are probably aware, the US Government is currently undertaking a strange and concerning campaign to arrest and detain citizens who appear to be of foreign extraction. It seems almost inevitable that football fans attending the World Cup will be caught up in this at some point, so I would advocate carrying a copy passport at all times as part of my World Cup 2026 guide. 

Travel Insurance

We absolutely advocate getting good travel insurance before you leave home for the World Cup. Health care costs in the US are frankly brutal, and they are not all that cheap in Canada either. While health care is more affordable in Mexico, the risk of something going wrong also increases.

As for what kind of travel insurance you should go for, I would say look for one that offers good health cover and a generous trip interruption policy in case you are turned away at the US border for having liked a Bernie Sanders Tweet back in 2015. I mean, it wouldn’t be a proper World Cup 2026 guide without mentioning insurance for the US, right?

These days, I use SafetyWing for all of my travel insurance needs, and you can find out more by hitting the buttons below.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Where to safely buy tickets 

The best place to buy tickets safely for the World Cup is through the official FIFA website and its official channels. If you’re looking to buy unwanted tickets off other fans, FIFA have also set up a service through their official website so you can do this safely. 

If you’re willing to take the risk, then StubHub does have buyer protections, but you could end up with a refund and no ticket. It also has a higher inventory. 

Avoiding scams 

Always buy your tickets from official channels such as the FIFA website or via your country’s Football Association or supporters travel club. Avoid third-party websites, even those that seem legit, such as Viagogo. 

Never buy tickets from street vendors, social media or places like Craigslist; these are prime places for scalpers to sell counterfeit tickets. If you’d like to buy resale tickets, then FIFA has an official reselling platform from which to buy safely and with confidence. 

Entrance into stadiums 

Expect heightened security at all games with bag checks and metal detectors in place. There might also be bag policies limiting you to only small or clear bags. Be sure to factor in delays getting into the stadiums as a result and try to avoid bringing large bags, weapons, alcohol, umbrellas, selfie sticks or drones. Arrive 60-90 minutes before the game, just to be sure. 

FAQS For Planning a Trip for the World Cup 2026

Alright folks, we’re nearly there! But in case you’ve got a few more questions, I’ve put together this FAQ just for you. Thank me later!

World Cup 2026 Guide Final Thoughts

Alright then, we finally got to the end!! Are you excited?! Hopefully, this extensive guide to the World Cup host cities has taken some of the difficulty out of planning your trip and made you feel a little less overwhelmed. 

The World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico is a unique opportunity to combine your love for football with visiting three incredible, diverse and fascinating countries. Each one offers different flavours, but at the same time, there’s something for anyone and everyone between these 16 host cities. 

As a traveller and a football fan, the World Cup is the perfect excuse to indulge in both passions. 

For me I am looking forward to returning to Boston, having visited briefly during a bitter winter in 2013; this time, I am hoping not to come across 8-foot-high snow drifts. I am also excited about hitting up some new places, including Vancouver and Seattle, as well as chilling out down south in Guadalajara and testing out some of the Spanish I learnt on my recent trip to South America. 

What about you? Where are you planning on visiting for the World Cup in 2026? 

Oh … and COME ON ENGLAND!!

This site is not affiliated with FIFA or any official World Cup organisers. References to the World Cup are for informational and editorial purposes only.