2026 FIFA World Cup Venues: Your Complete Guide to Getting There

2026 FIFA World Cup Venues Written by Bato Gang. Sports expert since 2020

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the largest and most spectacular World Cup in history. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries; the main host country of matches is the United States, while Canada and Mexico will be the auxiliary hosts. The tournament will be the first to be hosted by three nations. With 104 matches will be played, up from 64 at the 2022 edition, this expanded tournament offers unprecedented opportunities for football fans to witness world-class action across North America. This 2026 FIFA World Cup Venues Guide will help you plan the perfect visit.

Historic Tournament Overview

The first game of the tournament will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, with the final taking place at the New York New Jersey Stadium – home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. This multi-national approach creates a unique travel experience, allowing fans to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes while following their favorite teams.

Complete List of 2026 World Cup Host Cities

The 11 Cities in the United States, Three in Mexico and Two in Canada Will Host FIFA World Cup Matches in 2026 are strategically distributed across North America to maximize accessibility and showcase the continent’s diversity.

United States Venues (11 Cities)

East Coast Region:

• New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
• Boston – Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
• Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
• Miami – Hard Rock Stadium
• Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Central Region:

• Dallas – AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
• Houston – NRG Stadium
• Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)

West Coast Region:

• Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
• San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
• Seattle – Lumen Field

Mexico Venues (3 Cities)

• Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
• Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
• Monterrey – Estadio BBVA

Canada Venues (2 Cities)

• Toronto – BMO Field
• Vancouver – BC Place

Regional Tournament Format

The World Cup will be organised in a regional format and not country-by-country. Western Division: Vancouver (Canada), Guadalajara (Mexico), Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles form one regional cluster, making it easier for fans to follow teams through multiple matches in the same geographical area.

How to Get to Each Host City

Flying to World Cup Venues

Major International Airports:

United States:

• New York area: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA)
• Los Angeles: Los Angeles International (LAX)
• San Francisco: San Francisco International (SFO)
• Seattle: Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
• Miami: Miami International (MIA)
• Dallas: Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
• Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)

Canada:

• Toronto: Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)
• Vancouver: Vancouver International (YVR)

Mexico:

• Mexico City: Mexico City International (MEX)
• Guadalajara: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International (GDL)
• Monterrey: Monterrey International (MTY)

Transportation from Airports to Stadiums

Most venues are accessible via public transportation, ride-sharing services, or dedicated shuttle services that will likely be implemented during the tournament. Many stadiums are located 30-60 minutes from their respective airports, making day-of-match travel feasible.

Cross-Border Travel Considerations

For fans planning to attend matches in multiple countries, ensure your passport is valid and check visa requirements. The proximity of many venues makes cross-border travel practical, especially between US cities and Canadian venues like Toronto and Vancouver.

Planning Your World Cup Journey

Accommodation Strategy

Book accommodations well in advance, as hotels in host cities will be in high demand. Consider staying in nearby suburbs or cities with good transportation connections to save on costs while maintaining easy access to venues.

Transportation Between Cities

By Air: Major airlines will likely offer special packages and increased flight frequency between host cities.

By Road: The North American highway system allows for scenic road trips between venues, particularly effective for regional clusters.

Rail: Amtrak and Via Rail Canada provide connections between several host cities, offering a comfortable alternative to flying for shorter distances.

Ticket Information

With under a year to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s time for fans to try to book their spot at the global soccer celebration. FIFA will release official ticketing information and processes through their official channels.

Best Times to Visit Each Region

Summer Tournament Benefits: The 2026 World Cup Final will take place on July 19, 2026, meaning the tournament occurs during North America’s prime summer season. This timing offers:

• Ideal weather conditions across most venues
• Extended daylight hours for travel and exploration
• Peak tourism season amenities and services
• Outdoor activities and festivals in host cities

Stadium-Specific Transportation Tips

NFL and MLS Venues

Most venues are established NFL or MLS stadiums with existing transportation infrastructure, parking facilities, and crowd management systems. This means reliable access via:

• Public transit connections
• Established parking areas
• Ride-share pickup zones
• Walking paths from nearby hotels

Unique Venue Considerations

Estadio Azteca (Mexico City): Located at high altitude (7,200 feet), plan for potential altitude adjustment and use Mexico City’s extensive metro system.

BC Place (Vancouver): Downtown location makes it easily accessible via SkyTrain and within walking distance of many hotels.

Lumen Field (Seattle): Connected to Sound Transit light rail system, providing direct airport connections.

Making the Most of Your World Cup Experience

Cultural Exploration

Each host city offers unique cultural experiences. From Mexico City’s rich Aztec heritage to Vancouver’s Pacific Northwest beauty, plan extra days to explore beyond match days.

Regional Food Scenes

Sample local specialties: authentic Mexican cuisine in Guadalajara, fresh seafood in Seattle, barbecue in Kansas City, and diverse international food scenes in cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Los Angeles.

Multi-City Packages

Consider planning routes that allow you to experience multiple countries and cultures. Popular combinations might include West Coast cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver) or East Coast venues (New York, Boston, Philadelphia).

Final Preparation Tips

Start planning early, as this historic tournament will draw unprecedented global attention. Monitor official FIFA channels for ticket releases, transportation updates, and venue-specific information. Consider purchasing travel insurance and book flexible accommodations when possible.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the world’s most beloved sport across three nations. With proper planning and early preparation, you can create unforgettable memories while witnessing football history across North America’s most iconic cities and venues.

Whether you’re planning to attend a single match or follow your team across multiple venues, the diversity of host cities ensures an incredible experience combining world-class football with the rich cultural tapestry of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you have made it this far then you are a mad football fan, hence check out our latest post on Why Otis Khan Left Oldham.