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World Cup 2026: The Essential Guide to Tickets, Travel & Hotels
- karabrooks8
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in history. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across three countries—the US, Mexico, and Canada—with 48 teams competing in 16 cities. The scale is thrilling, but the logistics can feel daunting: tickets are complex, hotels will book up, and getting from one stadium to another requires strategy. Here’s your insider guide to tickets, travel strategy, and the hotels worth locking in early.
How FIFA tickets work
Right now, only hospitality/premium tickets are available through On Location, FIFA’s official hospitality provider. That means you’re not just buying a seat—you’re buying a full match-day experience, with perks that range from premium lounges to gourmet dining and pitchside views. There are three packages currently available:
The Single Match option (from approx. $2,000 per person) gets you VIP access to one group-stage or Round of 32 game, with hospitality ranging from pitchside lounges to the FIFA Pavilion.
The Venue Series package (from approx. $8,500 per person) is ideal if you want to stay in one city—it covers every match in one stadium, up to nine games.
And for the die-hards, the Follow My Team package (price varies) lets you trail your team through all three group-stage matches and into the first knockout round, though it’s not yet available for the host nations.
Standard (non-hospitality) tickets will be sold in phases beginning with the Visa Presale Draw (September 2025) for Visa cardholders, followed by an Early Ticket Draw in October and further phases thereafter. The draw to assign teams to groups (and finalize which cities host which teams) is in December, at which point matchups and venues become locked in. For ticket updates, check the FIFA website.
Why work with a Travel Advisor
The World Cup is incredible, but it’s also chaotic. Hotels sell out, tickets are complicated, and stadium logistics can be overwhelming. That’s where a Travel Advisor comes in.
Early access: We can secure hospitality packages with deposits before tickets go on sale to the general public.
Insider expertise: We know the difference between a Pitchside Lounge pass and a FIFA Pavilion ticket—and can match you with the right level of hospitality.
VIP hotel perks: Think daily breakfast, resort credits, upgrades, and late checkout at top partner properties. We’ll help you choose the best city base—whether you want to be in the middle of the fan action or tucked away nearby for easier movement.
Smarter itineraries: We’ll balance game days with cultural experiences, great dining, and ways to escape the crush of fans when you want a breather.
Seamless logistics: From cross-border travel (Mexico, US, Canada) to stadium transfers, we handle the puzzle so you can focus on the football.
Working with an advisor means you get the best seat in the house and the smoothest trip off the pitch.
Meet the host cities
The World Cup is the ultimate excuse for a summer getaway. From the energy of New York to the food scene in Mexico City, some cities are worth making your home base—and we have the hotels, insider tips, and city guides curated by locals to match.
Mexico
Mexico City
Where: Estadio Azteca—the first stadium to host three World Cup openers.
Vibe: A city of contrasts where Aztec ruins sit beside cutting-edge galleries, and the food scene runs from taco stands to Michelin stars.
Guadalajara
Where: Estadio Akron—home of Chivas, one of Mexico’s most storied soccer clubs.
Vibe: Tradition meets trend: mariachi echoes through plazas, tequila flows freely, and a new wave of craft bars shakes things up.
Monterrey
Where: Estadio BBVA—nicknamed “the Steel Giant,” framed by the Sierra Madre.
Vibe: A mountain-ringed metropolis that’s bold, ambitious, and fueled by some of Mexico’s most innovative chefs.
US East
New York and New Jersey
Where: MetLife Stadium—the NFL’s largest arena, set to host the 2026 final.
Vibe: Although the games will be played in Jersey, NYC is where the action is—skyscrapers, Broadway, museums, and late-night eats.
Boston
Where: Gillette Stadium—marked by its lighthouse tower and Patriots legacy.
Vibe: Cobblestones meet campus buzz and die-hard sports pride in this history-soaked city.
Philadelphia
Where: Lincoln Financial Field—a South Philly landmark just minutes from downtown.
Vibe: Fierce, gritty and proudly authentic with fan culture as bold as its flavors, from cheesesteaks to modern kitchens.
Miami
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, an iconic venue that hosts everything from the NFL to F1 to concerts, and now the World Cup. Vibe: Sun-soaked days, neon nights, and Latin rhythm that turns every match into a party.
US Central
Dallas and Arlington
Where: AT&T Stadium, a colossal venue home to one of the world’s largest jumbotrons.
Vibe: A fast-growing metro of sleek skyscrapers and arts districts, with a dining scene that stretches from smoky barbecue to globally inspired flavors.
Houston
Where: NRG Stadium—a NFL stadium with a retractable roof.
Vibe: The most diverse city in the US, where NASA, museums, and cuisines from every continent converge.
Kansas City
Where: Arrowhead Stadium—one of the country’s largest outdoor arenas.
Vibe: A Midwestern hub with a rich jazz heritage, thriving arts scene, and one of the country’s most passionate fan bases.
Atlanta
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium—a state-of-the-art arena with a retractable “halo” roof.
Vibe: Atlanta blends deep historical roots with modern culture, from civil rights landmarks to hip hop and Hollywood productions.
US West
Los Angeles
Where: SoFi Stadium—one of the newest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.
Vibe: LA is a sprawl of neighborhoods, from beach towns to Hollywood hills, with a cultural mix that shows up everywhere from street food to the art scene.
San Francisco Bay Area
Where: Levi’s Stadium—a modern venue in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Vibe: Matches unfold just south of San Francisco, where high-tech energy meets Bay Area culture, and wine country is only a short drive away.
Seattle
Where: Lumen Field—famous for its “12th Man” fan base and electric atmosphere.
Vibe: A waterfront city framed by mountains and evergreens, with deep music roots, a strong coffee culture, and an inventive food scene.
Canada
Toronto
Where: BMO Field — an open-air stadium on the shore of Lake Ontario.
Vibe: Canada’s largest city is cosmopolitan to its core, with diverse neighborhoods, a thriving food scene, and a skyline anchored by the CN Tower.
Vancouver
Where: BC Place—a stadium crowned with a retractable roof and views of the city skyline.
Vibe: A coastal city where ocean and mountains meet, known for its outdoor lifestyle, Asian food scene, and laid-back West Coast vibe.
Ready to turn your World Cup dreams into a VIP experience? Let's
design your ultimate World Cup escape. Reach out to See the World with Kara!
