2026 FIFA World Cup Voyage Tips and guide

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is an association football tournament which will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries.

2026 FIFA World Cup

USA, Canada and Mexico – 11/6/2026

27 days to go

This tournament will be the first to include 48 teams, expanded from 32. It will be the first men's World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new round of 32. The total number of games played will be increased from 64 to 104, and the number of games played by teams reaching the final four will increase from seven to eight.

It is expected to be one of the most anticipated tournament of the year.

Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are sold exclusively through FIFA’s official ticketing platform, and travellers should create a FIFA Ticketing Account well before sales begin. All applications and payments are handled digitally, and demand is expected to be extremely high across the 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA releases tickets in several phases, beginning with random‑selection draws, followed by first‑come, first‑served sales, and finally a last‑minute sales phase as stadium seating plans are finalised.

Prices vary widely depending on the match, stadium and seating category. For the 2026 tournament, FIFA has published broad price ranges: group‑stage tickets typically cost between US$40 and US$400, depending on category, while knockout‑stage matches range from about US$80 to over US$1,000. The opening match and semi‑finals are priced higher, and the final in New Jersey ranges from roughly US$600 for the lowest category to more than US$2,000 for Category 1 seats. A limited number of discounted Category 4 tickets are reserved for residents of the host countries. Prices for Team‑Specific and Venue‑Specific ticket packages vary but generally follow the same category structure.

All tickets for 2026 are digital and delivered through the official FIFA mobile app. Fans must bring a compatible smartphone with the app installed and logged in, as screenshots and printed copies are not accepted at stadium gates. Accessibility tickets are available for disabled spectators and those with limited mobility, and these usually include a complimentary companion ticket.

FIFA operates an official resale platform where fans can list tickets they no longer need. This is the only authorised method of resale, and buying from unofficial sellers carries a significant risk of invalid or cancelled tickets. Toronto has recently introduced a legislation that bans ticket resell above the ticket's face value. This has led to all match tickets in Toronto being pulled from FIFA's resale platform and it is unclear if these tickets will be made available again to be resold (at face value) on FIFA's platform at a later date. Spectators may also be required to show a government‑issued ID matching the ticket account holder, along with any travel documents required by the host country.

Travellers hoping to secure tickets should create their FIFA account early, enable notifications and be prepared to apply for multiple matches or categories to increase their chances. Flexibility with dates and venues can make a big difference, and avoiding unofficial ticket sellers is essential for a smooth match‑day experience.

Official information about ticket sales and resales is on the FIFA web site.

Accommodation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be in exceptionally high demand across all 16 host cities, and travellers should plan and book as early as possible. The tournament spans three countries—Canada, the United States and Mexico—each with very different accommodation markets, price levels and booking patterns. Major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City already experience high tourism volumes, and hotel availability during match days will tighten quickly once fixtures are announced.

Prices are expected to rise significantly during the tournament period. In large U.S. host cities, mid‑range hotels that normally cost US$150–250 per night may increase to US$300–500, while budget hotels and motels may still charge US$120–200. In Canada, typical mid‑range rooms in cities like Vancouver or Toronto may range from CA$200–400, with budget options around CA$120–200. Mexico generally remains more affordable, with mid‑range hotels in cities such as Guadalajara or Monterrey often between MX$1,500–3,000 per night, though prices may rise closer to match days. Luxury hotels in all three countries can exceed these ranges substantially during the tournament.

Travellers will find a wide variety of accommodation types, including international hotel chains, boutique hotels, hostels, serviced apartments and short‑term rentals. Hostels are common in major cities and can be a cost‑effective option, though shared dormitories may book out early. Short‑term rental platforms offer additional flexibility, especially for groups, but prices can fluctuate sharply during major events and minimum‑stay requirements are common.

Staying outside the immediate host city can be a practical way to save money. Many stadiums are located in metropolitan areas with extensive commuter rail or highway connections, making it feasible to stay in nearby suburbs or secondary cities and travel in for matches. However, travellers should factor in transport time, especially for evening games, and check the availability of late‑night services.

Because the tournament spans three countries, visitors should also consider border requirements when choosing where to stay. Fans planning to attend matches in both the U.S. and Canada, for example, will need to ensure they meet entry requirements for each country and allow extra time for border crossings. Booking accommodation with flexible cancellation policies can be helpful, especially for fans following a specific team whose match locations may change as the tournament progresses.

Holding a game ticket does not guarantee entry or visa issuance.

Because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, travellers should pay close attention to entry requirements for each country they plan to visit. Many fans will cross borders during the tournament, especially between the U.S. and Canada, so it’s important to check visa rules, passport validity and any travel authorisations well in advance—for each country.

Most visitors to the United States will need either a valid visa or an approved ESTA travel authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be completed online before departure, and travellers should ensure their passport is valid for the duration of their stay. U.S. airports are among the busiest in the world, and major host cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas will see heavy traffic during the tournament. Arriving early and allowing extra time for immigration and security checks is strongly recommended.

Entry to Canada depends on nationality. Many travellers require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when arriving by air, while others may need a visa. Fans entering Canada from the United States by land or sea do not need an eTA, but they must still meet all immigration requirements and present a valid passport. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are major international gateways, and flights may be particularly busy around match days.

Visitors to Mexico generally need a valid passport and, depending on nationality, may require a visa. Many travellers can enter visa‑free for tourism, but they must complete an immigration form on arrival. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are the primary entry points for World Cup spectators, and airports may experience longer queues than usual during the tournament.

Fans planning to attend matches in more than one country should be prepared for additional border checks. Crossing between the U.S. and Canada is common for travellers, but wait times at land borders can increase significantly during major events. Air travel between host countries will also be in high demand, so booking flights early is essential. Travellers should ensure they meet the entry requirements for each country on their itinerary, as being admitted to one does not guarantee entry to another.

For fans who will be entering the United States, there will likely be more changes, sometimes suddenly, to the entry requirements as it gets closer to game time.

Getting around during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will require some planning, as the tournament is spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Distances between host cities can be extremely large—far greater than in previous World Cups—so most long‑distance travel will involve flying. Major airlines operate frequent routes between the host nations, and cities such as New York, Toronto, Dallas, Los Angeles and Mexico City serve as major hubs. Flights around match days may be crowded and expensive, so booking early and allowing generous time between connections is essential, especially if you are following a team across multiple venues.

Within each country, domestic flights are often the fastest way to travel between host cities. In the United States, cities like Seattle, Miami, Houston and Kansas City are separated by thousands of kilometres, making air travel the most practical option. Canada’s host cities—Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal—are also far apart, and flying is usually the quickest way to move between them. Mexico’s host cities are closer together, but domestic flights between Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are still the most efficient choice for many travellers.

For shorter distances, trains and buses can be useful, though availability varies by country. The United States has limited long‑distance rail services, but some corridors—such as the Northeast between New York, Philadelphia and Boston—offer reliable connections. Canada’s intercity rail network is more limited, but buses and domestic flights fill the gaps. Mexico has a well‑developed long‑distance bus system, which is comfortable and widely used, though travel times can be long. Fans should check schedules in advance, as services may be busier than usual during the tournament.

Within host cities, public transportation will be the easiest way to reach stadiums and fan zones. Many cities have extensive metro, light‑rail or bus networks, and special event services are likely to run before and after matches. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver and Mexico City have well‑established transit systems, though they may be crowded on match days. Using contactless payment cards or transit apps can make navigating these systems simpler. Taxis and ride‑share services are widely available in all three countries, but demand may surge around stadiums, so travellers should expect longer waits and higher prices at peak times.

Walking is a practical option in many central areas, especially in cities with compact downtowns like Seattle, Boston or Vancouver. However, some stadiums are located far from city centres, making public transport or ride‑share services necessary. Renting a car is possible in all host countries, but traffic, parking costs and unfamiliar driving rules can make it less convenient during major events. If you do choose to drive, planning routes in advance and avoiding stadium areas on match days will help reduce delays.

Map of 2026 FIFA World Cup

• 34.05223-118.243681 Los Angeles: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
• 37.775-122.4194442 San Francisco: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi's Stadium)
• 47.605-122.333 Seattle: Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field)
• 49.260833-123.1138894 Vancouver: BC Place Vancouver (BC Place)

• 32.779167-96.8088891 Dallas: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
• 20.676389-103.3422222 Guadalajara: Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
• 29.762778-95.3830563 Houston: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium)
• 39.05-94.5833334 Kansas City: Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium)
• 19.353773-99.135895 Mexico City: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Banorte/Estadio Azteca)
• 25.684444-100.3180566 Monterrey: Estadio Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)

• 33.754444-84.3897221 Atlanta: Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• 42.360278-71.0577782 Boston: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
  • MBTA Commuter Rail sells roundtrip express train ticket from South Station to the stadium for US$80. Roundtrip bus tickets cost US$95 on match days.
• 25.783333-80.2166673 Miami: Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium)
• 40.712778-74.0061114 New York City: New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium)
  • New Jersey Transit sells round-trip train tickets between New York to New Jersey per match at US$98 and bus tickets from three locations at $20. Parking at the nearby American Dream Mall costs $225 and shuttle bus to the stadium costs an additional $80.
• 39.952778-75.1636115 Philadelphia: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
  • Philadelphia charges regular fare for public transit to the stadium, and free rail rides (not including buses) after the match. On-site parking starts at US$125.
• 43.670278-79.3866676 Toronto: Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
  • Toronto will charge regular fare for public transit. There will be no on-site parking.

Football fans who are not lucky enough (or rich enough) to get game tickets can view matches on large screens set up in nearby parks or plazas. The Fan Festival events will include food, music, games and other activities but are being promoted as family events without alcoholic beverages. Most, if not all, host cities will have Fan Festivals scheduled. Information about these events is on the FIFA web site.

Toronto's Fan Festival will be located at Fort York and The Bentway in Toronto Harbourfront. General admission tickets are free and premium tickets offer better seating. Both ticket types need to be ordered in advance online.

Vancouver's Fan Festival will be located at the PNE Grounds in Hastings Park. Entry to fan festival is free and premium tickets offer reserved seating, fast track entry and in-and-out privilege. There will be a dedicated shuttle bus service to/from PNE Grounds and 29th Avenue Skytrain Station (Expo Line) and Renfrew Station (Millennium Line).

Guadalajara's Fan Festival will be downtown in the Centro Historico at Plaza Liberación, between the Cathedral and Teatro Degollado. The FIFA Fan Festival is easily reached using the city's Metro system (MiTren) to one of two nearby stations: Line 2 to Plaza Universidad or Line 3 to Guadalajara Centro.

Mexico City's Fan Festival will be centered at the Zocalo in the Centro Historico but with events planned in all 16 of the city's boroughs (alcaldias). The Zocalo will have a 500 square meter LED screen for watching matches. Entry to the FIFA Fan Festival events is free, but upgraded VIP tickets will be sold. Metro is the best way to reach the Zocalo. Use Line 2 to the Zócalo/Tenochtitlan station, or alternatively, Line 1 or Line 2 to Pino Suárez.

Monterrey's Fan Festival will take place at the east end of El Centro in Parque Fundidora. It is easily reached using the city's Metrorrey subway system to stations Parque Fundidora or Y Griega. Entry to the FIFA Fan Festival is free, but upgraded VIP tickets will be sold.

Shopping during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will vary widely across the three host countries, but fans can expect an enormous range of official merchandise, local souvenirs and city‑specific memorabilia. FIFA will operate official merchandise stores in stadiums, fan zones and major transport hubs, offering items such as team jerseys, scarves, match balls, hats and collectibles. These shops tend to be busy on match days, and popular items—especially limited‑edition products tied to specific teams or venues—can sell out quickly. Prices are generally higher at stadium stores, so travellers who want official gear at a lower cost may prefer to buy from authorised retailers in the host cities.

Each country offers its own distinctive shopping experience. In the United States and Canada, large shopping malls and sports retailers carry a wide selection of licensed World Cup products (such as jerseys, balls, caps and flags), along with electronics, clothing and travel essentials. Mexico’s markets and artisan shops provide opportunities to buy handmade crafts, textiles and regional souvenirs that make unique keepsakes. Fans visiting multiple host cities may find that merchandise varies from place to place, making it fun to collect items from different stadiums or regions.

Watch out for counterfeit goods, which often appear around major sporting events. Unofficial vendors may sell imitation jerseys or merchandise at lower prices, but the quality is usually poor and the items are not licensed. Buying from official FIFA stores, recognised sports retailers or established shops in the host cities is the safest way to ensure authenticity. It’s also wise to keep receipts, especially for higher‑priced items, in case you need to exchange or return something later.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and contactless payments are common. However, carrying a small amount of local currency is useful for markets, small vendors or situations where card machines may be unavailable. Tax rules also vary by country, and some travellers may be eligible for tax refunds on certain purchases made in Canada or Mexico.

Obtaining international travel insurance is highly recommended.

The emergency number across the three host countries is 911.

The United States, Canada and Mexico all have well‑developed tourism infrastructure, but the huge crowds expected for the tournament will put extra pressure on transport systems, public spaces and accommodation. Beware of pickpockets and petty theft. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

Crowd management will be a major focus throughout the tournament. Allow extra time to reach your seat. Identify emergency exits in case you need one.

While most host cities are safe for visitors, the Mexican state of Jalisco has endured significant cartel-related violence, so be very careful around Guadalajara. Otherwise, if you attend late matches, check the availability of late‑night public transportation.

Digital safety is also important. With widespread use of mobile tickets and apps, travellers should protect their devices with passwords or biometric locks and avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi‑Fi networks. Using mobile data or a trusted hotspot is safer when accessing ticketing apps or personal accounts. Watch out for scams, including fake ticket sellers, unofficial merchandise vendors and fraudulent accommodation listings. Book only through official or well‑known platforms.

Because the tournament is spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, travellers will encounter a wide range of climates—from hot, humid summers in cities like Miami and Houston to cooler coastal conditions in Vancouver or San Francisco. Hydration is especially important on match days, as stadiums can get warm and crowded. Carrying a refillable water bottle, taking breaks in shaded areas and pacing yourself during long days of sightseeing or standing in line will help prevent heat‑related fatigue.

Food and water safety standards are generally high across all three host countries.

Long travel days, time‑zone changes and packed schedules can take a toll. Getting enough sleep, taking short breaks and not overloading your itinerary will help you enjoy the tournament without burning out. If you take regular medication, bring enough for your entire trip along with a copy of your prescription.

Crowded stadiums, airports and fan zones mean you’ll be in close contact with lots of people. If you start feeling unwell, resting and staying hydrated is usually the best first step. For anything more serious, all host countries have reliable medical services, and urgent care clinics are common in major cities. However, health care is very expensive without insurance in the U.S., so get good travel insurance.

Sun protection is another important consideration, especially in southern U.S. and Mexican cities where UV levels can be high. Weather can also change quickly in some regions, so packing layers or a light rain jacket is useful.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring together fans from all over the world, and showing respect for local customs and fellow travellers will help make the experience enjoyable for everyone. The tournament spans three culturally diverse countries—the United States, Canada and Mexico—each with its own social norms, languages and traditions.

In the United States, people generally appreciate friendliness and direct communication. It’s common to say “please,” “thank you” and “excuse me,” and small talk with strangers—such as in lines or on public transport—is normal. Tipping is a standard part of American culture, especially in restaurants, taxis and hotels. Respecting personal space is also important, particularly in busy areas.

Canada is known for politeness and multiculturalism. Canadians value courtesy, patience and inclusiveness, and they tend to avoid confrontational behaviour. As in the U.S., saying “sorry” or “excuse me” is common even in minor situations. Canada is officially bilingual, with English and French widely used, especially in Quebec. Making an effort with simple French greetings in Montreal or Quebec City is often appreciated.

In Mexico, hospitality and warmth are central to social interactions. People often greet each other with enthusiasm, and showing appreciation for local culture—whether through food, music or language—is welcomed. Basic Spanish phrases like hola (hello) or gracias (thank you) are easy ways to show respect.

Across all host countries, respecting other fans is essential. Football passion runs deep, but keep celebrations positive and avoid confrontational gestures. Event staff, volunteers and security personnel will be working long hours, so treating them with patience and kindness is important.

• Los Angeles 2028