The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, and if you're planning to be there in person, you're in for something truly special. This is the first World Cup ever hosted by three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and with 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 cities, it's the biggest tournament in the history of the sport.
But a trip this big needs serious planning. Hotels are filling up fast, visa queues are long, and the sheer scale of the tournament means that showing up without a plan could turn your dream trip into a stressful one. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
The Basics — Dates, Cities and the Final
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the opening match taking place in Mexico City and the Grand Final being held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — right next door to New York City.
The US is hosting 11 of the 16 host cities, spread right across the country:
- East Coast — New York/New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta
- Central — Dallas, Houston, Kansas City
- West Coast — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
Each city brings its own character. New York is the undisputed centrepiece of the tournament as host of the Final. Seattle has nine fan zones planned across the city. Philadelphia will host a match on July 4 — the day the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. And Kansas City, one of the lesser-known host cities, is preparing for an estimated 650,000 visitors.
Sorting Your Visa — Do This First
Before you book anything else, sort out your entry documents. This is where a lot of fans get caught out.
Fans from visa-exempt countries can enter the US using the ESTA system — an online application that most people can complete quickly. Fans from all other countries need a valid B1/B2 visitor visa, which requires an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The key advice here is simple: apply early. Interview slots are backed up significantly due to the volume of World Cup applicants. FIFA has a priority appointment system called PASS — if you've purchased tickets directly through FIFA and opted in, you may be able to secure an interview slot ahead of the general queue.
It's also important to know that the US has expanded visa restrictions to a number of countries as of early 2026. Always check the latest travel advisories on the US Department of State website (travel.state.gov) before making any bookings.
One more thing — if you're planning to catch matches in Canada or Mexico as well, note that each country has its own entry requirements. A US visa does not automatically cover Canada or Mexico, so check all three against your passport and planned route.
Getting Around — Between Cities and on Match Day
The US is enormous, and the host cities are spread far and wide. Getting your transport right is one of the most important parts of planning this trip.
Between cities: Domestic flights are the most practical option for longer distances, but expect high demand and book early — not just international flights, but domestic ones too, as all teams play in multiple cities. Amtrak train travel is also expected to be very busy, and is a great option for routes like New York to Boston or Philadelphia.
On match day: Transport varies a lot depending on which city you're in. New York and Boston have reliable subway systems that expand capacity on major event days. Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta are more car-oriented, where ride-sharing demand surges dramatically on match days — don't assume you'll easily grab an Uber outside the stadium. Research your specific host city's transport options well before you travel.
A few match day tips worth knowing:
- Arrive at least two to three hours early
- Bring a portable phone charger — you'll need it for tickets, maps, and messages
- Check your stadium's bag size policy before you leave your hotel
- Download transport apps before you leave your accommodation, not when you're already running late
Accommodation — Book Now, Stay Flexible
An estimated 1.2 million international visitors are expected to travel to the US for the World Cup — and hotel prices are already reflecting that. In New York, budget hotels during key match weeks are already reaching around $591 per night. Boston prices are similarly high. Dallas is generally cheaper, but still expect a premium during tournament windows.
A few smart strategies:
- Don't lock in non-refundable bookings before you know your match schedule — knockout stage fixtures can change everything, and you don't want to be paying for a hotel in Miami when your team is now playing in Seattle.
- Look outside the city centre. Many World Cup venues sit outside the main tourist core, so a hotel near a good train or metro connection is often more practical — and cheaper — than trying to stay right next to the stadium.
- Consider neighbouring areas. For New York matches, staying in Jersey City or Queens can save significantly compared to central Manhattan, and both have good access to MetLife Stadium.
Tickets — Only Buy Through Official Channels
Match tickets vary in price, with regular group-stage seats starting at around $380. The most recent last-minute sales phase opened on April 1, 2026 through FIFA's official website.
Only ever buy through the official FIFA ticketing portal or the official FIFA resale platform. Unofficial ticket sellers are rife at major tournaments and many fans have been burned badly. If it looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Staying Connected Across 11 Cities
This is something most fans don't think about until they're already at the airport — but it matters enormously on a trip like this.
You'll be moving between multiple cities, using navigation apps constantly, messaging your group, checking match schedules, booking last-minute restaurants, and possibly trying to grab tickets for games you didn't originally plan to attend. All of that needs reliable mobile data.
Roaming on your home plan across the US for five to six weeks can add up to a brutal phone bill. The smarter option is a travel eSIM that gives you data coverage across all the US host cities from the moment you land — no hunting for a SIM card shop, no waiting, no roaming surprises.
Just make sure your phone supports eSIM before you travel — most phones made after 2020 do. A quick search for your phone model followed by "eSIM compatible" will confirm it in seconds.
A Few Things Unique to Travelling in the USA
If this is your first time in the States, a few things might catch you off guard:
- Tipping is expected. Unlike many countries, tipping in the US is standard — typically 18 to 20% at restaurants, and a few dollars for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
- The country is big and spread out. Don't underestimate distances. Cities like Los Angeles are massive, and getting from one part of town to another can take much longer than you'd expect.
- Tap water is safe to drink. You don't need to buy bottled water everywhere — tap water in all US host cities is perfectly safe.
- Cards are king. Don't carry too much cash — most places in the US are entirely card-based, and many vendors at major events are contactless or card-only.
- The weather varies enormously. Seattle in June can be cool and overcast. Miami in July is hot and humid. Dallas in summer is intensely hot. Pack for the specific cities you're visiting, not just "America."
The Bottom Line
The 2026 World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event — the biggest in football history, hosted across some of the most exciting cities on earth. With the right preparation, it will be the trip you talk about for the rest of your life.
Sort your visa first. Book accommodation with flexible terms. Research transport in each city before you arrive. And make sure your phone is ready to work from the moment your flight lands.
The football will take care of itself. Your job is just to get there ready to enjoy it.
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