World Cup 2026: Complete Guide to Matches, Cities, Tickets & Travel
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| Photo: AP |
Welcome to the most complete guide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! With 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this will be the biggest World Cup ever.
Here you'll find stadiums, tickets, travel tips, host city guides, and everything you need to plan your perfect football adventure.
Book Travel
Essentials
- Check visa requirements
- Confirm stadium bag policy
- Download city transit apps
- Arrive 2-3 hours early at stadiums
World Cup 2026 Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams across 16 host cities in North America.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the final hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This will be the largest World Cup in history, offering more matches, more cities, and more unforgettable experiences than ever before.
- Total Matches: 104
- Host Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico
- Stadiums: 16 modern venues
Match Schedule
Here is an overview of the tournament phases:
| Stage | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11 - June 27, 2026 | 48 teams in 12 groups of 4; top 2 + best third-placed teams advance. |
| Round of 32 | June 28 - July 1, 2026 | 32-team knockout stage |
| Round of 16 | July 2 - July 5, 2026 | 16 winners advance |
| Quarter-finals | July 9 - July 10, 2026 | Eight teams compete for semis |
| Semi-finals | July 14 - July 15, 2026 | Hosted in Dallas & Atlanta |
| Third Place Match | July 18, 2026 | Hosted in Miami |
| Final | July 19, 2026 | MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey |
Verified ticket resale: StubHub
Host City Guides
Click on any city guide below for full details (stadium, tickets, hotels, travel tips):
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York/New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Seattle
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Guadalajara
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
How to Buy World Cup 2026 Tickets
Official ticket sales will be conducted through FIFA's ticketing portal. Sign up on FIFA.com to receive notifications when sales go live.
Expect high demand, especially for knockout matches, USMNT games, and major football nations like Brazil, Argentina, and England.
Resale Tickets
Closer to matchday, verified resale options will appear on:
Always avoid buying tickets from unverified sources to prevent scams.
Where to Stay for the World Cup
Hotels will sell out quickly in all major host cities. The best strategy is to book early and choose accommodations with easy transport to stadiums or city centers.
How to Travel Between Host Cities
North America is huge, so plan your route with distance in mind. Flying is the most realistic option for many match-to-match itineraries.
Flight Tips
- Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare airfare.
- Book inter-city flights at least 3-6 months ahead.
- Choose flexible tickets if you're waiting for match schedules.
Train + Bus Options
Useful mainly in the U.S. Northeast (NYC, Boston, Philly, DC):
- Amtrak - fast trains between major cities
- Greyhound & FlixBus - budget travel between cities
Getting Around Inside Each Host City
Most stadiums are accessible via public transit or rideshare services.
Common Transport Options:
- MARTA (Atlanta)
- MBTA (Boston)
- METRORail (Houston)
- SEPTA (Philadelphia)
- Link Light Rail (Seattle)
- Caltrain + VTA (Bay Area)
Uber and Lyft are available in all U.S. host cities.
Food Highlights in Host Cities
- Atlanta: fried chicken, peach cobbler
- Kansas City: BBQ ribs, burnt ends
- Boston: lobster rolls, clam chowder
- Houston: Tex-Mex, brisket
- Philadelphia: cheesesteaks
- Seattle: seafood, chowder
- San Francisco: sourdough, burritos
- Mexico: tacos, tamales, mole
Safety Tips for Traveling Fans
- Stay in well-reviewed hotels.
- Avoid isolated areas late at night.
- Use official transport routes to stadiums.
- Beware of ticket scams - use verified resale platforms.
Mobile Apps You Should Download
- Google Maps
- Uber / Lyft
- City transit apps (MARTA, MBTA, SEPTA, etc.)
- Booking.com
- StubHub
- FIFA Official App
Money & Budgeting Tips
- U.S. prices vary widely depending on the city.
- Plan for $100-250 per day in expensive cities.
- Use travel cards with no international fees.
- Book hotels early to lock lower rates.
Fan Zones & Viewing Areas
Each host city will set up official FIFA Fan Zones with giant screens, music, food stalls, and entertainment. Check city-specific guides for exact locations.
Why World Cup 2026 Is Special
This will be the largest international sporting event ever held in North America. With 48 teams and expanded host cities, it offers fans more matches, more travel options, and more unforgettable football experiences than ever before.
Plan Your Trip Early
Flights, hotels, and match tickets will get more expensive as the tournament approaches. Secure your bookings and start building your match itinerary today.
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