2026 FIFA World Cup Travel: 10 Things You Should Know Before Booking Your Trip
⚽ The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America , and I couldn't be more excited! This is going to be one of the biggest sporting events in history, spanning three countries and 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for an unforgettable bucket list adventure, this tournament is your chance to experience world-class competition in some of the most amazing cities on the continent.
But here's the thing , planning a trip like this takes some serious strategy. I've been helping travelers navigate major events for years, and trust me, there are things you'll want to know before you hit that "book" button. Let's dive in! 🎉
🗓️ 1. Know the Dates and Lock Them In Early
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. That's over five weeks of non-stop soccer action! The final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19th , definitely the crown jewel of the whole event.
Here's my advice: start planning NOW. I know it feels early, but accommodations in host cities are already starting to fill up. The sooner you lock in your dates, the better your options will be!
🏨 2. Book Your Accommodations Yesterday
I can't stress this enough , hotels will sell out fast. We saw this happen in Qatar, and with matches spread across 16 cities in North America, demand is going to be intense.
My recommendation? Consider booking through official World Cup travel packages or work with a travel advisor (hi, that's me! 👋) who can help you secure quality accommodations before the good stuff disappears. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling for a place to stay two months before kickoff.
🌎 3. Understand the Three-Country Setup
This is the first FIFA World Cup ever hosted by multiple nations! Here's how the cities break down:
🇺🇸 United States (12 cities):
- New York/New Jersey
- Los Angeles
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Seattle
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Miami
- Philadelphia
- Boston
- Kansas City
- Arlington (Texas)
🇲🇽 Mexico (2 cities):
- Mexico City
- Guadalajara
🇨🇦 Canada (2 cities):
- Toronto
- Vancouver
This multi-country format gives you SO many options for building your dream itinerary. You could follow your team's journey, or pick a region and catch multiple matches in nearby cities. The possibilities are endless!
✈️ 4. Plan Your Transportation Carefully
Here's something a lot of people don't think about : not all stadiums are conveniently located near city centers. Some are in suburban areas with limited public transit options.
I always recommend planning your ground transportation in advance. Whether that means renting a car, booking rideshares, or finding packages that include match-day transportation, you'll thank yourself later. Nothing ruins a game day like stressing about how to get to the stadium! 😅
🎟️ 5. Get Smart About Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup will be available through FIFA's official ticketing portal. Here's what you should know:
- Sign up for FIFA's ticket alerts to stay informed about sales windows
- Be prepared for high demand : popular matches (think USA, England, Brazil) will go fast
- Avoid third-party scalpers : stick with official channels to avoid scams
- Consider ticket + travel packages for a more seamless experience
If navigating the ticketing process feels overwhelming, that's exactly the kind of thing we help with at Regal Scenic Journeys Travel. We can guide you through the process and help you secure seats to the matches you want most!
📋 6. Don't Forget Your Passport and Visa Requirements
Since this World Cup spans three countries, you'll need to think about documentation : especially if you're planning to catch matches in multiple nations.
Quick reminders:
- ✅ U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Canada and Mexico
- ✅ Check your passport expiration date NOW (many countries require 6+ months validity)
- ✅ If you're traveling from outside North America, research visa requirements early
- ✅ Consider Global Entry or NEXUS for faster border crossings
Passport processing times can be unpredictable, so don't wait until the last minute. I've seen too many trips derailed by expired documents! 📕
☀️ 7. Prepare for Summer Weather
June and July are the hottest months across North America. Depending on where you're headed, you could be dealing with:
- Intense heat in Dallas, Houston, and Mexico City
- Humidity in Miami and Atlanta
- Milder temps in Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver
Pack accordingly! Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a good water bottle are essentials. And if you're sensitive to heat, prioritize accommodations with solid air conditioning.
🏙️ 8. Make It More Than Just Soccer
One of the best parts about this World Cup? The host cities are incredible destinations in their own right!
- Los Angeles : beaches, Hollywood, world-class dining
- New York : iconic landmarks, Broadway, endless entertainment
- Mexico City : rich history, amazing food, vibrant culture
- Vancouver : stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures
I always encourage my clients to build in extra time to explore. You're already making the trip : why not turn it into a full vacation? Check out our Travel Ideas page for inspiration!
🗺️ 9. Consider a Multi-City Itinerary
Here's where things get really fun. ✨
Because matches are spread across so many cities : and major U.S. hubs are connected by quick flights : you can easily build a multi-city adventure. Imagine starting in Los Angeles for a group stage match, flying to Dallas for a Round of 16 game, and finishing in New York for the final!
California alone is hosting 14 matches across two stadiums (SoFi Stadium in LA and Levi's Stadium in the Bay Area), making it a perfect home base for an extended World Cup experience.
This kind of trip takes some coordination, but that's exactly what I love helping with. Building custom itineraries that flow smoothly and maximize your experience? That's my jam! 🙌
🤝 10. Work With a Travel Advisor (Seriously!)
Look, I know you can plan all of this yourself. But between securing accommodations, navigating ticket sales, coordinating flights, and figuring out logistics across three countries... it's a lot.
Working with a travel advisor like me takes the stress out of the equation. I handle the details so you can focus on what matters : cheering on your team and making memories that last a lifetime!
At Regal Scenic Journeys Travel, we specialize in creating seamless travel experiences for major events just like this. Whether you want a simple weekend trip or an epic multi-city adventure, I'd love to help you design the perfect World Cup journey.
⚽ Ready to Start Planning Your 2026 World Cup Adventure?
The countdown is on, and the best time to start planning is right now! Whether you know exactly what you want or need help figuring it out, I'm here for you.
📞 Give me a call at 1 (810) 297-1523 or reach out through our website to get started. Let's make your World Cup dreams a reality!
Can't wait to help you experience the magic of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! 🏆🎉
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