🏆 Tournament Overview
Dates
June 11 – July 19, 2026
Host Countries
USA 🇺🇸 · Canada 🇨🇦 · Mexico 🇲🇽
Venues
16 stadiums in 16 cities
Format
48 teams · 12 groups of 4 · 104 matches
Key Dates: Opening match on June 11 in Mexico City 🇲🇽 · Final on July 19 in New York/New Jersey 🇺🇸 · Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-place teams advance to Round of 32.
🗺️ 16 Host Cities
Matches span from Vancouver to Mexico City — pick your region wisely
New York / New Jersey
🇺🇸 MetLife Stadium · Final venue · 82,500 capacity
Los Angeles
🇺🇸 SoFi Stadium · 70,240 capacity
Miami
🇺🇸 Hard Rock Stadium · 65,326 capacity
Dallas
🇺🇸 AT&T Stadium · 80,000 capacity
San Francisco Bay Area
🇺🇸 Levi's Stadium · 68,500 capacity
Atlanta
🇺🇸 Mercedes-Benz Stadium · 71,000 capacity
Philadelphia
🇺🇸 Lincoln Financial Field · 69,328 capacity
Seattle
🇺🇸 Lumen Field · 69,000 capacity
Houston
🇺🇸 NRG Stadium · 72,220 capacity
Boston
🇺🇸 Gillette Stadium · 65,878 capacity
Kansas City
🇺🇸 Arrowhead Stadium · 76,416 capacity
Mexico City
🇲🇽 Estadio Azteca · Opening match · 87,523 capacity
Guadalajara
🇲🇽 Estadio Akron · 49,850 capacity
Monterrey
🇲🇽 Estadio BBVA · 53,500 capacity
Toronto
🇨🇦 BMO Field · 45,736 capacity
Vancouver
🇨🇦 BC Place · 54,500 capacity
📋 Visa Requirements
Each host country has its own entry rules — a US visa does NOT cover Canada or Mexico
United States
Visa Waiver countries (42 nations): Apply for ESTA online ($40). No embassy interview needed.
All other nationalities: B1/B2 visitor visa required. Apply at US embassy/consulate. Processing takes weeks to months.
FIFA PASS: Available for ticket holders — accelerates B1/B2 interview scheduling for the US only.
⚠️ US visa does NOT grant entry to Canada or Mexico.
Canada
Visa-exempt countries: Apply for eTA online (CAD $16 / ~$12 USD). Valid for 2 years. Quick approval.
Brazil, India, China, Nigeria, etc.: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required. Standard visitor visa route — processing can take weeks to months.
⚠️ US ESTA does NOT satisfy Canada's eTA requirement.
Mexico
Most nationalities: No visa needed. Complete FMM tourist card on arrival (~$57 by air, free by land for ≤7 days). Stay up to 180 days.
Very few countries require a Mexican visa — most World Cup fans won't need one.
⚠️ FMM is single-entry. If you leave Mexico and return, you need a new one.
💡 Pro Tip: If attending matches in multiple countries, start your visa applications NOW. Canada's IRCC has warned that the World Cup may impact processing times. US B1/B2 appointments are already backlogged in many countries.
💰 Budget Planning
Estimated costs per person for a 7–10 day World Cup trip
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Tickets (per game) | $60–$120 | $200–$400 | $600–$2,000+ |
| Flights (round-trip international) | $600–$1,000 | $1,200–$2,000 | $3,000–$6,000+ |
| Hotels (per night) | $80–$150 | $200–$350 | $400–$800+ |
| Food & Drinks (per day) | $30–$50 | $60–$100 | $150–$300+ |
| Local Transport (per day) | $10–$20 | $30–$50 | $60–$100+ |
| Inter-city Flights | $100–$200 | $200–$400 | $400–$800+ |
| 7-Day Total (est.) | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,500 | $7,000–$15,000+ |
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Target group-stage matches — they're cheaper and more accessible than knockout rounds
- Consider budget host cities: Kansas City, Houston, Guadalajara, and Monterrey offer lower hotel and food costs
- Book refundable hotels early, then recheck after ticket confirmation
- Use public transit instead of rideshares on match days (surge pricing is brutal)
- Mexico City offers incredible value — world-class food and culture at a fraction of US prices
📅 Match Schedule Highlights
Key dates and milestones for the 2026 World Cup
Opening Match — June 11
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City 🇲🇽 · Mexico vs. TBD (Group A)
Group Stage — June 11–27
12 groups of 4 teams · 72 matches across all 16 cities · Top 2 + 8 best third-place teams advance
Round of 32 — June 28–July 2
32 teams · 16 matches · First knockout round (new format)
Round of 16 — July 3–6
16 teams · 8 matches · Elimination intensifies
Quarter-Finals — July 9–10
8 teams · 4 matches · All in US cities
Semi-Finals — July 14–15
4 teams · 2 matches · Atlanta & Dallas
Third-Place Match — July 18
Miami · Consolation match
FINAL — July 19
MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey 🇺🇸 · 82,500 capacity · The biggest match of the decade
🏨 Accommodation Guide
Where to stay in each host city — and the stadium location trap to avoid
⚠️ The Stadium Location Trap: Many World Cup stadiums are NOT in the city center. A "Boston" hotel could be 30+ miles from the actual venue. Always check the stadium location before booking.
| City | Stadium Location | Best Areas to Stay |
|---|---|---|
| New York / NJ | East Rutherford, NJ | Midtown Manhattan, Jersey City, Secaucus |
| Los Angeles | Inglewood | Inglewood, Santa Monica, Downtown LA, El Segundo |
| Miami | Miami Gardens | Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables |
| Dallas | Arlington | Arlington, Downtown Dallas, Fort Worth |
| San Francisco | Santa Clara | Santa Clara, San Jose, SF (with commute) |
| Atlanta | Downtown Atlanta | Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead |
| Boston | Foxborough | Foxborough, Back Bay, Cambridge |
| Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Downtown KC, Country Club Plaza |
| Houston | NRG Park area | Galleria, Downtown, Medical Center |
| Philadelphia | South Philly | Center City, Old City, South Philadelphia |
| Seattle | Downtown Seattle | SoDo, Capitol Hill, Pike Place area |
| Mexico City | Tlalpan (south) | Roma, Condesa, Centro Histórico, Coyoacán |
| Guadalajara | Zapopan | Zapopan, Centro Histórico, Chapalita |
| Monterrey | Guadalupe | San Pedro Garza García, Centro, Cumbres |
| Toronto | Exhibition Place | Downtown, Entertainment District, Harbourfront |
| Vancouver | Downtown | Yaletown, Gastown, Downtown, Kitsilano |
💡 Booking Tips: Book refundable rooms ASAP. Prices will spike closer to the tournament. Check cancellation policies carefully. Factor in resort fees and local taxes (especially in US cities — often $20–$50/night extra).
✈️ Transportation Guide
Getting between cities and around on match days
Inter-City Travel
Flights
Primary method for distances over 300 miles. Book early — domestic US flights during the World Cup will surge. Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Southwest) offer the best value for US domestic routes.
Rail (Northeast Corridor)
Amtrak Acela connects Boston → New York → Philadelphia in 1.5–5 hours. This is the one region where rail competes with flying. Book early for best fares.
Driving
Best for distances under 300 miles (e.g., Dallas–Houston, Seattle–Vancouver). Factor in traffic, parking costs ($30–$80 on match days), and border crossings.
Match Day Transport
- Arrive early: Plan to reach the stadium 2–3 hours before kickoff. Security lines are long.
- Use public transit where available (Mexico City Metro, Toronto TTC, Vancouver SkyTrain, Seattle Link). Avoid surge-priced rideshares.
- Stadium shuttles: Many venues offer park-and-ride shuttles from remote parking areas. Check FIFA's match-day info.
- Rideshare surge: Expect 3–5x pricing after matches. Have a backup plan (walk partway, then catch a ride).
- Parking: Pre-book if driving. On-site parking fills fast and costs $30–$80+.
🧠 Practical Tips
Time Zones
The tournament spans 4 time zones: Pacific (LA, SF, Seattle, Vancouver), Mountain (Kansas City), Central (Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Toronto), and Eastern (NY, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami). When traveling between cities, adjust your schedule accordingly.
Connectivity
USA/Canada: Get a prepaid SIM (T-Mobile, AT&T) or eSIM. Google Fi works across all 3 countries. Mexico: Telcel is the largest carrier. Free WiFi available at most stadiums and hotels. Consider a portable WiFi device for multi-country trips.
Payments
USA/Canada: Credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely supported. Mexico: Cards accepted in cities, but carry some cash (pesos) for street vendors and small shops. ATMs widely available.
Weather
June–July: Hot across most host cities. Mexico City: 55–70°F (rainy season). Dallas/Houston/Miami: 85–100°F with high humidity. NYC/Boston/Philly: 70–85°F. San Francisco/Seattle/Vancouver: 60–75°F. Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated at outdoor stadiums.
Safety
Stadium areas will have heavy security. Keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings. USA: Be aware of pickpockets in crowded fan zones. Mexico: Stick to tourist areas, use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Canada: Generally very safe. Register with your country's embassy.
Health & Insurance
US healthcare is extremely expensive — travel insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation. Carry copies of prescriptions. Mexico City is at 7,300 ft altitude — take it easy on day 1 if coming from sea level.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When do tickets go on sale?
FIFA's ticket sales have been rolling out in phases since late 2025. The "Last-Minute Sales Phase" is the final official window and runs through the end of the competition. Buy only through FIFA.com/tickets. Avoid third-party resellers and social media ticket sellers.
Do I need separate visas for all three countries?
Yes. A US ESTA/visa does NOT cover Canada or Mexico. Each country has independent entry requirements. If attending matches in multiple countries, apply for all necessary visas well in advance.
Can I attend matches in multiple cities?
Yes, but plan carefully. Distances between host cities are massive. For a comfortable multi-city trip, limit yourself to 2 cities in the same region (e.g., NYC + Boston, Dallas + Houston, Seattle + Vancouver, Mexico City + Guadalajara). Build in buffer days.
What's the cheapest way to attend?
Target group-stage matches in budget-friendly cities (Kansas City, Houston, Guadalajara, Monterrey). Book early, use hostels or budget hotels, eat local food, and use public transit. Mexico City offers the best value overall.
Is the FIFA PASS worth it?
FIFA PASS helps accelerate US B1/B2 visa interview scheduling for World Cup ticket holders. It only applies to the US — it does not help with Canadian or Mexican visas. If you need a US visa and appointments are backed up in your country, it's worth considering.
How early should I arrive on match day?
Plan to arrive at the stadium 2–3 hours before kickoff. Security screening, especially for the World Cup, will be extensive. Gates typically open 2 hours before the match. Factor in transport delays and parking.
Ready to Plan Your World Cup Trip?
Explore our detailed 16-city guide with stadium info, hotel recommendations, local attractions, and food picks for every host city.
View 16 Cities Guide →